The influence of environmental conditions on overweight in Coimbra, Portugal

Abstract

Obesity is responsible for triggering a diversity of chronic diseases and recent evidence suggests that it is related to the worsening of Covid-19. Being active is seen as a preventive measure and treat these illnesses. The way cities are designed and structured can positively influence the manner people to move and it's related to the environment in which they live, increasing the level of physical activity. This study, carried out in Coimbra, investigated the association between the typology of land use and physical environmental conditions; and which aspects of the physical environment can be considered predictors of overweight. 1 117 individuals living in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas were interviewed. To carry out the analyses, binomial logistic regression models were performed, adjusted for sex and age. The results show that peri-urban and rural residents are more likely to be overweight, to use cars, and to positively evaluate aspects related to urban services and air quality, and have lower satisfaction levels in relation to public leisure spaces and urban green areas. Peri-urban residents who use public transport are less likely to be overweight than those who use the car. The quality of public lighting and comfort at transport stops were identified as predictors of overweight.