Active Living and Social Justice: Planning for Physical Activity in Low-income, Black, and Latino Communities
- 31 March 2006
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Informa UK Limited in Journal of the American Planning Association
- Vol. 72 (1), 88-99
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01944360608976726
Abstract
The U.S. faces rising rates of overweight and obesity. Active living-urban planning and design to promote physical activity—has emerged as a strategy to combat growing obesity. The active living movement initially targeted mostly middle-class, suburban communities. In this article, I argue that planning for active living must especially address low-income, Black, and Latino communities, where obesity and related health risks are greatest and resources least available. First I review the problem of obesity and related health conditions among low-income, Black, and Latino populations in the U.S., and identify the role of insufficient physical activity in this problem. I then examine physical environment and other factors that shape opportunities for physical activity in low-income communities and communities of color. Finally, I identify strategies that may help to promote active living in urban settings to better serve these communities.Keywords
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