Combined measure of neighborhood food and physical activity environments and weight-related outcomes: The CARDIA study

Engagement in healthy lifestyle behaviors likely reflects access to a diverse and synergisLic seL of food and physical activity resources, yet most research examines discrete characteristics. We charaderized neighborhoods with respect to their composition of features, and quantified associations with diet, physical acriviLy (PA), body mass index (BMI), and insulin resisrance (lR) in a longitudinal biracial cohort (n=4143; aged 25-37; 1992-2006). We used latent class analysis to derive population-density-specific ( < vs. >= 1750 people per sq km) clusters of neighborhood indicators: road connectivity, parks and PA Facilities, and food stores/restaurants. In lower population density areas, a latent class with higher food and PA resource diversity (relative to other clusters) was significantly associated with higher diet quality. In higher population density areas, a cluster with relatively more natural food/specialty stores; fewer convenience stores; and more PA resources was associated with higher diet quality. Neighborhood clusters were inconsistently associated with BMl and FR, and not associated with fast food consumption, walking, biking, or running. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.