CITY SIZE REDUCES OBESITY AND IMPULSIVITY THROUGH BETTER LIFESTYLE AND EDUCATION
By Priyanjana Pramanik, MSc.
New research reveals that larger cities see lower rates of both obesity and impulsivity, uncovering how lifestyle, education, and mental healthcare shape healthier urban populations.
Study: Investigating the link between impulsivity and obesity through urban scaling laws. Image Credit: Markus Mainka / Shutterstock
In a recent article published in the journal PLOS Complex Systems, researchers explored the link between impulsivity and obesity across 915 cities in the United States. Their findings indicate that obesity and impulsivity, measured by the prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), were less common in larger cities. ADHD appeared to influence obesity levels, with lifestyle acting as a moderating factor.
Background
Shows New York City defies expectations: Despite lower physical activity infrastructure, NYC residents exhibit lower obesity rates, a paradox attributed to dense social networks promoting passive exercise through walking.
2025-05-19T02:05:25Z