login

Fat city: the relationship between urban sprawl and obesity

London School of Economics and Political Science Research Online (London School of Economics and Political Science)Published 1 January 2006Open access
Jean Eid, Henry G. Overman, Diego Puga, Matthew A. Turner
Citations12
View PDF

Abstract

We study the relationship between urban sprawl and obesity. Using data that tracks individuals over time, we find no evidence that urban sprawl causes obesity. We show that previous findings of a positive relationship most likely reflect a failure to properly control for the fact the individuals who are more likely to be obese choose to live in more sprawling neighborhoods. Our results indicate that current interest in changing the built environment to counter the rise in obesity is misguided.

Keywords

Agricultural and Biological SciencesSocial SciencesMedicine