Green and blue areas as predictors of overweight and obesity in an 8-year follow-up study

Abstract

Objective: To longitudinally examine associations between proximity of urban green or blue areas and BMI.

Methods: The study population consisted of the Finnish Public Sector study participants who responded to surveys in 2000 and 2008 and lived in an urban area; 15,621 of them did not move residence (nonmovers) during the follow-up, and 9696 did (movers). The associations for objectively measured distance and change in distance to blue area and usable green area with self-reported BMI were assessed (normal weight/overweight/obese).

Results: Among the nonmovers, living >750 versus <250 m from usable green area increased the odds of overweight (odds ratio [OR] 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-2.11), and living 500-750 versus <250 m from the nearest blue area increased the odds of overweight (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.52). No significant associations were observed for obesity. Moving away from the proximity of green, but not blue, area (from <250 to >250m) increased the odds of obesity (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.08-2.06).

Conclusions: These longitudinal population level findings suggest that living far from usable green areas or waterfront in urban areas increases the risk of overweight.

Keywords: blue area; body mass index; green area; longitudinal; neighborhood disadvantage; obesity.