A new picture of obesity patterns

Genetics, a lack of exercise and insufficient consumption of green vegetables are among the culprits blamed for obesity. Now another cause for weight gain among Americans may have been identified – where you live.

Researchers have found that obesity rates in a city may be measured using satellite imagery of buildings and the space between them. These were checked against images from Google’s Street View of the number and prevalence of grocery shops and pet shops. The data, fed through an artificial intelligence programme, could predict where fatter people lived.

Elaine Nsoesie, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, and her colleague Adyasha Maharana, looked at four cities: Los Angeles, Memphis, San Antonio and Seattle.

Lower rates of obesity correlated with areas with more space between buildings and more parks.

Easy access to grocery stores and pet shops offering dogs that required walking seemed linked to a healthier community, and lower crime rates too.

Areas with more police stations also seemed to have higher obesity rates.

Exercising and healthy eating are harder for people who are afraid to go outside too.

Dr Nsoesie said she hopes that the research will be used by town planners.