Association of built environment characteristics with adiposity and glycaemic measures.

View Abstract

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships of built environment characteristics with adiposity and glycaemic measures.

METHOD

Longitudinal study sample consisted of 4,010 Framingham Heart Study Offspring (baseline: 1998-2001; follow-up: 2005-2008) and Generation Three (baseline: 2002-2005; follow-up: 2008-2011) participants (54.8% women, baseline mean age 48.6 years). Built environment characteristics (intersection density, greenspace, recreation land and food stores) at baseline were collected. Adiposity and glycaemic measures (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, and fasting plasma glucose) at baseline and changes during 6.4-year follow-up were measured.

RESULTS

In cross-sectional models, higher intersection density and food store density (total food stores, fast food restaurants and supermarkets) were linearly associated with higher BMI (all p < 0.05). Higher greenspace was associated with lower BMI, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, prevalent obesity and prevalent diabetes (all p < 0.05). Longitudinally, higher intersection density and food store density, and lower greenspace were associated with smaller increases in abdominal visceral adipose tissue (all p < 0.05). Higher densities of intersections, fast food restaurants and supermarkets were associated with smaller increases in fasting plasma glucose (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, built environment characteristics are associated with adiposity and glycaemic traits, suggesting the potential mechanisms by which built environment influences cardiometabolic health.

Investigators
Abbreviation
Obes Sci Pract
Publication Date
2017-07-11
Volume
3
Issue
3
Page Numbers
333-341
Pubmed ID
29071109
Medium
Electronic-eCollection
Full Title
Association of built environment characteristics with adiposity and glycaemic measures.
Authors
Lee JJ, Hwang SJ, Mutalik K, Corey D, Joyce R, Block JP, Fox CS, Powell-Wiley TM