Katharina Buczek
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.
