Obesogenic environments: Are neighbourhood environments that limit physical activity obesogenic?

The impact of obesogenic environments on adolescent health is poorly understood. This study examines if neighbourhood features related to physical activity are also related to unhealthy weight status. Adolescents (N = 4587, age 15-17 years, 51.4% male) self-reported physical activity and neighbourhood perceptions. Trained researchers measured height and weight. Logistic regression identified if neighbourhood perceptions predicted overweight or obesity. Adolescents who reported convenient physical activity facilities were 2% less likely to be overweight/obese and 5% less likely to be obese, controlled for socio-demographic variables and clustering by school. Physical activity does not appear to directly influence or mediate the relationship between perceived convenient facilities and weight status. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.