Abstract Background General mobility is a daily behaviour that could result in a positive contribution to overall physical activity through walking for transportation or a negative contribution resulting in sedentarism caused by driving. The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between mobility and overweight/obesity in an urban context, while considering physical activity in leisure time, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics, and individual health status. Methods Cross-sectional study based on the 2011 Barcelona Health Survey. We selected individuals who reported no physical limitations (N=2312). The dependent variable was “Body Mass Index” calculated from self-reported weight and height measures (low/normal or overweight/obese). The main explanatory variable was “mobility” (Participant walked≥30min; walked<30min; travelled by public transport only; travelled in private motorised transport only). Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated to study the relationship between mobility and overweight/obesity while also accounting for other variables. Results In Barcelona, 47.8% of men and 28.1% of women aged 15–64 years were overweight or obese. Compared to individuals who used motorised transport only, lower risk of overweight/obesity was found in men travelling by public transport only [PR=0.75 (0.64–0.90)], walking<30min [PR=0.81 (0.70–0.93)] or ≥30min [PR=0.81 (0.73–0.90)]. We did not observe a significant association among women. Conclusion Behavioural changes toward more active mobility could reduce the likelihood of being overweight or obese, mainly in men. This reinforces the idea of active transport as a public health strategy.
Highlights There is a high prevalence of overweight or obese in the urban context of Barcelona. One of every four men travelled only by motorised transport. Lower risk of obesity was found in men travelling by any mode other than only motorised. No significant relationship between obesity and mobility patterns was observed among women. Changes toward more active mobility could reduce the likelihood of overweight or obesity.
Daily mobility patterns of an urban population and their relationship to overweight and obesity
Transport Policy ; 32 ; 165-171
2014-01-01
7 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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