Work

Built Environment, Commute and Health Revisited: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Evidence from China

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite the rising interest in examining factors associated with body mass index (BMI), little longitudinal evidence can be found regarding its associations with the built environment (BE) and commute, which are closely related to sustainable urban development. Employing two rounds of nationwide survey data in China, this research assesses the links between BE, commute, and BMI in both cross-sectional and longitudinal ways. The findings indicate that non-motorized commute duration is negatively associated with BMI in both analyses. Switching from non-motorized to motorized modes is positively associated with BMI change, whereas switching in the opposite direction is negatively associated with BMI change. Among BE factors, increases in density, diversity, and green coverage are negatively associated with BMI change. Additionally, the research highlights the role of urbanization and suggests a nonlinear association with BMI that is consistent with an inverted-U pattern. The findings highlight the potential relevance of non-motorized commuting to overweight prevention and sustainable mobility. This research provides implications for integrating transport planning, public health, and sustainable urban development.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su18189355

Authors: Fanyuan Yu, Chaoying Yin, Xin Qi, Xiaoquan Wang

Institutions: Nanjing Forestry University, Hohai University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Transport and Accessibility

Subfield: Transportation

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896