Giving young people access to nature trails for recreation can reduce obesity rates, a new study finds.
Obesity continues to remain one of the biggest concerns in the United States with obesity rates among the youth rising at a rapid speed. A new study by researchers from the University of Missouri and the University of Minnesota might have found a potential solution to this problem. The researchers found that counties with more non-motorized nature trails and forest lands have higher levels of youth activity and lower youth obesity, while counties with more nature preserves have lower activity levels.
"More non-motorized nature trails available for use by youth in a particular county lead to an increase in the physical activity rates as well as lower youth obesity rates," Sonja Wilhelm Stanis, an associate professor of parks, recreation and tourism in the Missouri's College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, said in a press statement. "This was in contrast to counties with more nature preserves, which showed decreased levels of physical activity among youth, and parklands, which did not show any relationship with obesity levels and physical activity of youth. Overall, this research shows how local policymakers can impact the health of their youth through land-use decisions."
For the study, researchers analysed data from every county in the state of Minnesota. They used their analysis to compare youth activity rates and youth obesity rates to amount of public non-motorized nature trails, motorized nature trails, nature preserves, parklands and forest land available. The researchers also found that though public land was associated with higher activity rates, there was no association between parklands and activity levels or obesity rates.
"The finding that nature preserves tend to be linked with lower levels of physical activity isn't surprising," Wilhelm Stanis said. "Typically, patrons of preserves visit them to observe and appreciate nature, not necessarily to exercise, while non-motorized trails are used specifically to walk, run or bike. Nature preserves are a valuable resources for communities; however, this research shows the importance of diversifying the types of public lands available to community residents, especially in communities that struggle with high obesity rates among their youth."
The study was published online in the journal Preventative Medicine.
