Narrative Review of Obesogenic Environments

Nyiramana Mukamurera P.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

The rising prevalence of obesity reflects the influence of obesogenic environments settings that promote excessive calorie intake and discourage physical activity across both urban and rural contexts. Urban areas, where over half the global population resides, shape opportunities for physical activity, dietary habits, and social interaction through urban design, green spaces, traffic patterns, and food accessibility. In contrast, rural regions face challenges such as limited access to recreational facilities and healthy food options, compounded by socioeconomic disparities and cultural factors that shape eating behaviors. Current research highlights inconsistencies due to methodological variations, inadequate differentiation between perceived and objective environmental measures, and insufficient focus on diverse global contexts. Future research must integrate behavioral and environmental determinants at multiple levels to clarify causal pathways and inform community-based interventions. The implications for public health are profound, requiring multi-level strategies that mitigate obesogenic conditions, reduce individual vulnerability, and foster health-promoting environments. Emerging approaches such as community engagement through participatory interventions, technological innovations, smart-city initiatives, and mobile health applications present promising opportunities to reshape both urban and rural settings toward healthier living. Collectively, these insights underscore the urgent need for interdisciplinary action, data-driven urban design, and technological integration to counteract obesity and enhance global health outcomes.

Keywords: Obesogenic Environments, Urban Design and Health, Community Engagement, Smart City Initiatives and Mobile Health Applications (MHAs).

CITE AS: Nyiramana Mukamurera P. (2025). Narrative Review of Obesogenic Environments. Research Output Journal of Biological and Applied Science 5(3):23-33. https://doi.org/10.59298/ROJBAS/2025/532333