Study Finds Connection Between Fitness, Health Habits, and Urban Infrastructure in Major US Cities

Two new studies from the Fairbanks School of Public Health at Indiana University’s Indianapolis campus have shed light on the link between health behaviors, the built environment, and the health status of America’s largest cities.

Using data from the American Fitness Index, researchers found that the maximum percentage of residents with good health status was 70 percent. Lead author Jiali Han emphasized the importance of fitness and health behaviors in shaping community health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to promote healthier lifestyles.

The researchers explored various fitness and health behaviors, including meeting activity guidelines, dietary habits, sleep patterns, and smoking avoidance. They also examined how the built environment, such as walkability and access to parks, influenced health status.

Overall, health status improved in 84 of the 100 largest U.S. cities from 2018 to 2022. However, there was a significant disparity between cities, with Arlington, Virginia, ranking highest and Fresno, California, ranking lowest. Indianapolis ranked 93rd overall, while Chicago ranked 13th.

Cities with higher walkability, bike infrastructure, and parks within walking distance were associated with improved health status. The researchers emphasized the importance of creating healthier environments within cities to reduce chronic diseases and improve quality of life.

The findings were published in the Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, highlighting the potential for informing public health strategies nationwide. This comprehensive analysis underscores the collective responsibility in fostering healthier communities for better population health.