Environmental Factors

Why do kids drink so much soda? Why don't they get much exercise? Research suggests that our obesity problem is related to our "obesogenic" environment—one that encourages us to eat too much and exercise too little.

In the previous section we examined child and adult behaviors that contribute to excessive weight gain in children. But these behaviors don't exist in a vacuum. The environment influences people's behavior. In this section, we'll assess how environmental factors influence behaviors related to excessive weight gain in children.

After completing this section, you should be able to:

• Identify environmental contributors to childhood weight status
• Describe the reasons for assessing and addressing environmental factors related to childhood obesity
• Describe four dimensions of the environment related to healthy eating and active living
• Assess environmental factors that contribute to excessive weight gain in children in your community

Suggested Learning Path Scenario: A Bigger Picture What is driving Nick's and Miguel's eating and activity choices? Take a step back to see the bigger picture. Resource: The Environmental Assessment Do we live in an obesogenic environment—one that encourages us to eat too much and exercise too little? Utility: Environmental Assessment Steps These steps and tools can help you assess environmental factors affecting childhood obesity in your community. Evaluation: Course Project - Part 2 - Assessing Environmental Factors (Required) What environmental factors contribute to excessive weight gain in children in your community setting?

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