Association of built environment characteristics with adiposity and glycaemic measures. (11th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, J. J.; Hwang, S.‐J.; Mutalik, K.; Corey, D.; Joyce, R.; Block, J. P.; Fox, C. S.; Powell‐Wiley, T. M.
• Is Part Of: Obesity science and practice. Volume 3:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 333
• Page End: 341
• Publication Date: 2017-07-11
• Subjects: Diabetes -- obesity -- subcutaneous adipose tissue -- visceral adipose tissue; Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/osp4.115
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-2238

Abstract

Summary: Objective: This study examined the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships of built environment characteristics with adiposity and glycaemic measures. Method: Longitudinal study sample consisted of 4, 010 Framingham Heart Study Offspring (baseline: 1998–2001; follow‐up: 2005–2008) and Generation Three (baseline: 2002–2005; follow‐up: 2008–2011) participants (54.8% women, baseline mean age 48.6 years). Built environment characteristics (intersection density, greenspace, recreation land and food stores) at baseline were collected. Adiposity and glycaemic measures (body mass index [BMI], waist circumference, abdominal subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue, and fasting plasma glucose) at baseline and changes during 6.4‐year follow‐up were measured. Results: In cross‐sectional models, higher intersection density and food store density (total food stores, fast food restaurants and supermarkets) were linearly associated with higher BMI (all p < 0.05). Higher greenspace was associated with lower BMI, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose, prevalent obesity and prevalent diabetes (all p < 0.05). Longitudinally, higher intersection density and food store density, and lower greenspace were associated with smaller increases in abdominal visceral adipose tissue (all p < 0.05). Higher densities of intersections, fast food restaurants and supermarkets were associated with smaller increases in fasting plasma glucose (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Collectively, built environment characteristics are associated with adiposity and glycaemic traits, suggesting the potential mechanisms by which built environment influences cardiometabolic health.