Obesity and overweight are becoming major global health issues affecting over 2 billion people worldwide.

In a world with the increasing availability of high-calorie foods, people are becoming less active and tending to spend more time sitting, leading to excess weight and various health problems. While individuals are primarily responsible for their weight gain, the environment they live in also plays a significant role. This article examines why your streets may be contributing to the rise in obesity rates.

1. Lack of Walking Facilities

Walking is the simplest and most affordable way to stay active, yet people may decide against walking due to a lack of proper walking facilities.

Busy roads with no footpaths or cycle lanes, poor lighting, and inadequate crossings are just some issues that discourage walking. Lack of access to public parks and green spaces can also have a negative impact on physical activity levels.

2. Car-Centric Road Design

Our roads today are built for cars, not pedestrians. Roads designed with long straight lanes, excessive widths, and high-speed limits all contribute to a car-dominant environment.

This environment isolates people who cannot afford private vehicles, such as the elderly, children, and the poor. People are then more likely to use cars, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. It is time to rethink the way road designs are made and prioritize walking, cycling, and public transport over cars.

3. Unhealthy Food Outlets

The food environment is a significant influence on food choice and intake. Numerous studies have shown that an increased availability of fast food outlets, particularly around schools, correlates with higher obesity rates in children.

Studies also suggest that increased exposure to marketing and advertisements of unhealthy foods causes an increase in consumption independent of hunger levels. As a result, exposure to food outlets in the street can be a significant contributor to the obesity epidemic.

4. Workplaces Not Promoting Physical Activity

The majority of urban jobs require long hours of sitting with little or no physical activity. This prolonged sitting leads to the development of obesity and other metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Employers need to take an active step towards creating a healthy workplace by encouraging physical activity, such as installing standing desks, offering gym or cycling classes, and providing healthy food and snacks options.

5. Urban Planning That Encourages Car Use

Urban planning that prioritizes private transport over public transport and walking affects physical activity levels in the community, and consequently, the prevalence of obesity.

Cities in which public transport is inaccessible or poor quality, and cities that create dead zones without urban amenities push people to drive cars. As a result, people become more sedentary, leading to obesity and cardiovascular diseases.

Related Article The Obesity Problem on Your Streets

6. Lack Of Public Education

Issues such as obesity cannot be tackled solely by government action; they require active cooperation from the public. However, many people may be unaware of the implications of obesity and lack knowledge of how to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Public administration requires the integration of various health education measures, including diet and nutrition management, physical activity, and weight management measures, to raise awareness among the general public.

7. Inadequate Healthcare Services

Healthcare service availability can also play a part in the rise of obesity rates.

This includes a lack of healthcare providers, inadequate weight management counseling and services, and inadequate support and resources for those who want to make lifestyle changes. Additionally, some people may face discrimination from healthcare providers and therefore seek healthcare services less frequently.

To tackle the obesity problem, there needs to be better healthcare support, more accessible weight management support, and improved awareness of the importance of regular weight monitoring.

8. Socio-Economic Disadvantage

Socio-economic disadvantage can also contribute to the rise in the obesity epidemic. Studies show that people in lower socio-economic groups are more likely to be overweight or obese since healthier food options are often more expensive.

Access to high-quality healthcare, education, and recreational facilities may also be limited. Governments need to address socio-economic disadvantage by investing in initiatives such as nutritious food availability programs and healthy school meal programs.

9. Digital Lifestyle

In the digital lifestyle era, people prefer sitting in front of screens rather than being physically active. Increased screen time means less time for physical activity and less social interaction, leading to greater obesity rates.

Governments, schools, and parents should encourage children and all citizens to limit screen time and instead engage in activities that promote physical activity, such as sports, hobbies, and community events.

10. Lack of Community Responsibility

Communities must take responsibility for promoting healthy living and fighting obesity since it affects everyone in the locality.

Developing partnerships with local councils, interest groups, and residents can provide valuable resources to create healthy environments around the communities. They can work together to create awareness of healthy living and encourage physical activity in open and green spaces, better walking facilities, and public transport.