Research Overview
Obesity is a major and growing health concern in the United States, including in Tennessee. One common idea is that improving neighborhood walkability (i.e., how easy it is to walk to places like stores, parks, and services) can help reduce obesity by encouraging physical activity. This project examines whether that is true in Nashville by looking at how walkability relates to obesity rates across different neighborhoods. Using publicly available data from sources such as the CDC, EPA, and U.S. Census, the study analyzes patterns in obesity alongside factors like food access, healthcare availability, and neighborhood demographics. The goal is to better understand whether walkability alone is enough to improve health outcomes, or if other social and economic factors play a larger role. The findings show that walkability by itself was not a strong predictor of obesity rates in Nashville. Instead, factors such as access to food, healthcare, and broader social conditions were more closely linked to obesity. These results suggest that improving public health requires a broader approach that goes beyond the built environment and addresses underlying inequalities in access to resources.
Why it Matters
This project helps communities better understand what truly influences obesity at the neighborhood level. By showing that access to food, healthcare, and resources matters more than walkability alone, it can guide more effective local policies and programs. Ultimately, the findings support efforts to reduce health disparities and improve overall community well-being.
Project Outcomes
Literature Review and Poster
Learn More
To learn more about the study, contact the research team
Research Team
Primary Contact
Dr. Ugur Orak, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Additional Researchers
Kalistah Lawrence, Undergraduate Student, Marketing
Community Partners
None
Research Focus
Geographic Scope
Nashville, TN
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