ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on sedentary behaviours and physical activity, the impact of the food environment on food availability and food choices is an emerging field of research. The sum total of built environment and society changes on levels of physical activity and sedentariness are difficult to estimate, however studies of populations that have remained relatively unexposed to these forces, help to quantify their impact. Zoning of land uses was introduced as a mechanism to separate housing from other noxious or noisy land uses. The practice of zoning and separation of land uses had a profound impact on urban development. Until the end of World War II, there was little car ownership as urban areas were relatively concentrated and public transport was the principal mode of transportation. Social trends have a symbiotic relationship with the built environment in their impact on physical activity and obesity.
