Worry at obesity-town design link

Public health officials want more attention paid to links between obesity and the way towns and cities are built.

Two officials raise the issue in this month's Doctor magazine, with Virginia Hope of the Auckland Regional Public Health Service suggesting more research is needed into an ecological approach to health. This could help in town planning, she said.

Health Sponsorship Council special projects manager Tane Cassidy pointed to issues such as the ease of walking or cycling to work or school.

"We don't do as much activity as we used to. We drive our kids to school more often and don't let them bike or walk."

- NZPA