The asthma and obesity epidemics: the role played by the built environment--a public health perspective.
Obesity and asthma have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. The reasons for these epidemics are complex, and the solutions to address them are many. This article explores the epidemics, their causes and consequences, associations and relationships, an expansion of the definition of the environment, and current national initiatives that address the components of the built and social environments that promote obesity and precipitate asthma.
Brisbon
Nancy
N
Department of Family Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, PA, USA.
Plumb
James
J
Brawer
Rickie
R
Paxman
Dalton
D
D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D019058:Community Networks; D005376:Financial Management; D005381:Financing, Organized; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012946:Social Welfare; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology