Neighborhood greenness curbs kid obesity

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Higher neighborhood greenness -- parks, grass, flowers and trees -- is associated with slower increases in children's weight, U.S. researchers say.

Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and the University of Washington report a study of more than 3,800 inner-city children revealed that living in areas with green space has a long-term positive impact on children's weight, and thus health.

The study's lead author, Dr. Gilbert C. Liu of the Indiana University School of Medicine and a Regenstrief Institute-affiliated scientist, said the study looked at children ages 3 to 18 -- predominantly African-American, poor and publicly insured -- whose residence didn't change over 24 consecutive months.

The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found higher neighborhood greenness was associated with slower increases in body mass index over time, regardless of age, race or sex.

"Obesity is a national epidemic necessitating the involvement of healthcare providers, parents, and the community. For children, physical activity is active play and that usually take place outdoors," Liu said in a statement.

"We need to encourage them to go outside and play. I love the idea that we can landscape for health."