‘Obesogenic’ environments by design – Australian version

.

NEW suburbs in Melbourne are so poorly designed that residents face an epidemic of chronic diseases such as obesity and depression that will cost the health system millions of dollars, a state government inquiry has been told.

Councils in outer growth areas say soaring populations have outstripped their ability to provide basic infrastructure such as public transport, parks and medical services, and are creating ”obesogenic” environments that promote weight gain.

The concerns have prompted a state government inquiry into the impacts of urban design on health, and fuelled calls to make health a priority in planning laws.  ”When it comes to urban planning, we are building suburbs that in 20 years will be ghettos of ill health,” said Margaret Beavis, a Melbourne doctor who appeared before the inquiry.

Article here.

Wyndham, referenced in the story as Australia’s fastest growing exurb, looks like this:

Map here.