title: The built environment and obesity among low-income preschool children.
abstract: In spite of the evidence that adult obesity is influenced by environmental factors, the influence of the environment on childhood obesity remains under-investigated. This paper examines the association of the built environment with the prevalence of obesity in low-income preschool children. Built environment indicators include measures relating to food choice and physical activity. The relationship of the environment with childhood obesity is further stratified by urban-rural location. Overall, the built environment is associated with the prevalence of obesity in low-income preschool children, although the impact of the environment is affected by urban-rural status. Results imply broad-scope for community-level interventions.
authors.affiliation: Florida Department of Citrus, Economic and Market Research Department, University of Florida, PO Box 110249, Gainesville, FL 32611-0249, USA. msalois@ufl.edu
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Salois
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D019058:Community Networks; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011203:Poverty; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology