Impact of Neighborhood Design and Availability of Public Transportation on Physical Activity and Obesity Among Chicago Youths

Harvard University, Prevention Research Center on Nutrition and Physical Activity

Topics:
Healthy Youth | Nutrition & Physical Activity for Youth | Obesity & Overweight

Harvard researchers are assessing selected neighborhoods in Chicago to determine the quality of public transportation, convenience of walking to bus stops and train stations, and availability of sidewalks and bicycle paths to schools, shopping centers, and other neighborhood locations. The researchers are also measuring the physical activity level and body mass index of youths and young adults in the same areas. By comparing this information periodically over three years, the researchers are exploring whether changes in the physical environment (including seasons of the year) and transportation systems (such as bus routes and train schedules) influence physical activity levels and weight among the youths and young adults growing up in the neighborhoods.

 

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