Approaches to Eliminating Obesogenic Environments

The term “obesogenic environments” describes the sum of all influences from surroundings, opportunity structures, and living conditions on the development of overweight. Obesogenic environments particularly promote physical inactivity and unhealthy eating behavior. Our model shows that obesoogenic environments operate on both micro and macro levels, which in turn both affect the living conditions of individuals. Obesogenic environments can be distinguished on both levels into physical, economic, political, and sociocultural environments. Currently, the empirical situation regarding obesogenic environments in Germany is limited and incomplete, firstly because most empirical studies on this topic come from the USA and the US-American conditions are only partially transferable to the local context. Secondly, there are methodological challenges in researching obesogenic environments. In conclusion, an interdisciplinary approach considering both micro and macro levels is essential for successful intervention in obesogenic environments.