Creating walkable spaces can be as good for our physical health as it is for our mental health. Koohsari, Nagai, Oka, Nakaya, Yasunaga, and McCormack report that “neighborhoods with more active living options and higher population density were associated with fewer risk factors for metabolic syndrome. . . . Cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading causes of death worldwide. Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors including hypertension and obesity, significantly increases the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. . . . neighborhoods with a higher number of 'points of interest'—which refers to destinations such as schools, parks, and shops—and a friendlier environment for active living were associated with fewer risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Essentially, residing in a neighborhood that offers more destinations, walkability, and opportunities for physical activity was linked to improved metabolic health. Interestingly, the researchers also found fewer health-related risk factors in areas with a higher number of homes. This can be attributed to increased access to amenities, facilitating social interaction, and reducing reliance on cars.”
“Study Reveals Link Between Neighborhood Environments and Likelihood of Metabolic Syndrome.” 2023. Press release, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, https://www.jaist.ac.jp/english/whatsnew/press/2023/07/28-1.html