Fitness vs. Sprawl

KSDK-TV posted an article listing the best and worst areas in the St. Louis area for fitness. The research finds a direct relationship between fitness and urban design:

According to a study released in the American Journal of Health Promotion people living in communities where housing, businesses, schools and places of interest are spread out (sprawling communities) are likely to walk less and weigh more than people who live in compact communities.

Key findings from the study:

• People living in sprawling areas are likely to weigh an average of six pounds more than people living in compact communities

• People in sprawling areas walk less for exercise because destinations (shops, offices, etc.) are not in walking distance

• There is a direct relationship between sprawl and high blood pressure