The Challenge of Childhood Obesity in Urban Environments

Childhood Obesity in Urban Environments: A Critical Review

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Introduction

Obesity is a serious health problem that has negative social, physical and mental health consequences (Cervero & Duncan, 2003). Over the past decade, Krämer et al (2010) indicated that the rates of obesity have been rising rapidly among adults and children. Obesity results from an imbalance in energy that occurs when the consumption of energy exceeds the expenditure of energy. The paper will discuss how obesity is influenced by the urban (built/man-made) environment. CDC (2007) defined “built environment” as aspects of an individual’s surroundings that is modified or is manmade as compared with the environmental aspects that are naturally occurring. Furthermore, it will discuss two social factors that relate to or affect obesity: lifestyle and age. Finally, the essay will discuss the model/s of health and wellbeing…