New National Study Revealed That U.S. Adults’ Perception Of Neighborhood Walkability Impacts Physical Activity And BMI Levels, Although The Relationship Differs Among Certain Demographics

A novel study led by researchers at Boston University has examined perceived neighborhood walkability, obesity indicators, and physical activity on a national scale– revealing that people who reside in walkable neighborhoods are much more likely to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) and be physically active.
This finding was not replicated across demographics, though– with differing associations among Asian, Black, and Hispanic populations.
According to the CDC, only about 25% of U.S. adults meet the recommended physical activity guidelines– which are defined as at least 75 minutes of vigorous activity or 150 minutes of moderate activity every single week.
So, with the obesity epidemic and other chronic conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease on the rise across the nation, the Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) decided to conduct a first-of-its-kind study.
The research specifically examined how U.S. adults perceive the walkability of their neighborhood, as well as the physical activity rates and obesity of U.S. adults.
This analysis revealed that people who reside in highly walkable neighborhoods are more likely to walk near their homes, partake in adequate physical activity, and have a lower BMI as compared to residents of neighborhoods with low walkability.
Now, previous research has found associations between neighborhood walkability, lower obesity rates, and increased physical activity. However, this study was the first to do so on a national level.
Most notably, the study revealed that the relationship between perceived neighborhood walkability and physical activity actually differed by ethnicity and race.
Even though a greater proportion of Asian, Black, and Hispanic adults live in high walkability neighborhoods as compared to White adults, they were less likely to walk near their homes or engage in physical activity.

Eva – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
According to the researchers, these physical activity inequities are representative of persistent subpar neighborhood conditions– which stem from systemic racism and barriers to entry for numerous communities of color to engage in health-maintaining behaviors.
“In cities and counties across the U.S., the legacy of racial residential segregation and policies like redlining resulted in poorer built physical activity environments, characterized by decreased walkability, street connectivity, and green space, and increased pollution that disproportionately impacts communities of color,” explained Dr. Monica Wang, the study’s lead author.
“We are continuing to see the effects of structural racism on physical activity and obesity risk today.”
The study drew demographic and other health data from a nationally representative 2020 survey that collected information regarding illnesses, chronic impairments, disability, healthcare access, health insurance, and health services from adults over the age of 18.
Adults who reside in walkable neighborhoods were found to be 1.5 times more likely to participate in adequate physical activity levels.
These same adults were also 0.76 times less likely to be obese as opposed to adults who dwell in low-walkability neighborhoods.
Conversely, the researchers found that the relationship between BMI levels and perceived walkability differed among some racial and ethnic groups.
Among Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White study participants, BMI decreased in relation to an increased perception of neighborhood walkability.
However, among Alaska Native, American Indian, and other multiracial U.S. adults, BMI levels increased even as the perception of neighborhood walkability increased.
So, Dr. Wang detailed how despite some individuals viewing their neighborhoods as “walkable,” there may be various other reasons why they do not participate in adequate activity levels– such as safety concerns, neighborhood desirability, or the lack of walking as a normal habit in their communities.
“This is particularly relevant for communities who have been displaced, whether historically by force or through gentrification,” Dr. Wang said.
“This suggests that a combination of approaches– such as improving pedestrian and public transit infrastructure, implementing policies that slow traffic, enhancing park quality, and community programming– are needed to promote walkability and well-being.”
To read the study’s complete findings, which have since been published in Wiley Online Library, visit the link here.
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