A recent research survey conducted by The Melbourne University reveals that poor people in Melbourne weigh an average three kilograms more than those on high incomes. The $400000 survey was funded by VicHealth.
The survey included 4913 people found neighbouring factors play an essential role in obesity.The quality of footpaths for exercise, the location of parks, and the price and availability of healthy food all influenced health.
Poor neighbourhoods near main roads with many fast food chains, poor quality footpaths for exercise, no parks, low price and easy availability of healthy food were the likely reasons to have more overweight people. Some of the areas are Reservoir, Thornbury, Dandenong and Sunshine.
On the other hand high-income suburbs with parks and good recreational facilities had less overweight residents. Examples of some are Sandringham, Doncaster and Templestowe.
Health promotion activities should focus in these areas of high obesity levels and try to change the environment into a healthier one.
This survey also reveals the relationship between individual’s health and urban planning. Food in plenty and lack of exercise among the urban poor leads to obesity.
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