Micro-level analysis of childhood obesity, diet, physical activity, residential socioeconomic and social capital variables: Where are the obesogenic environments in Leeds?

Abstract

This paper describes global (whole of Leeds) and local (super output area) analyses of the relationship between childhood obesity and many 'obesogenic environment' variables, such as deprivation, urbanisation, access to local amenities, and perceived local safety, as well as dietary and physical activity behaviours. The analyses identify the covariates with the strongest relationships with obesity, and highlight variation in these relationships across Leeds, thus identifying 'at-risk' populations. This paper seeks to demonstrate the importance of analysis at the micro-level in order to provide health planners with additional information with which to tailor interventions and health policies to prevent childhood obesity. © Journal compilation © 2008 Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers).