Land Use and Obesity

This week, I've been fortunate to present at  Download ALSAH.PolicyInstute.Agenda.2010 and this event regarding the link between unsustainable development practices and obesity. 

The gist of my presentations is that land development regulations which induce more walkability and less car centric design generally result in healthier lifestyles.

Conversely, those regs that separate compatible uses and prioritize vehicular use--even in urban settings designed for pedestrian activity, get people off their feet, in their cars, and more out of shape.

The Alabama Department of Public Health will be posting the powerpoints soon so I'll provide a link when they are up.

In the big picture, the more I researched in preparation for these events, the more I became convinced that land use sprawl is more of a obesity factor than I ever believed.

--Chad Emerson, Faulkner U.