Are Our Cities Making Us Fat?

Smart City Radio investigates why a growing number of researchers are blaming the design of our cities for the trend toward obesity.

1 minute read

June 13, 2003, 1:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


Some new weight loss scheme seems to appear in the news every day. Why? Because Americans are battling fat. And a growing number of researchers are blaming the design of our cities. Phyllis Bleiweis is the executive director of the Seaside Institute. The institute recently hosted a meeting of health policy officials, architects, doctors and planners to discuss how we have engineered walking and biking out of our cities. Richard Killingsworth is the director of Active Living by Design at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. He is trying to promote physical activity through community design and transporation alternatives. Smart City Radio show host Carol Coletta talks to Phyllis Bleiweis and Richard Killingsworth on the next "Smart City." Listen live on the Web Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Sundays at noon. In Memphis and the Mid-South, tune into 91.1, WKNO FM, Sundays at 9 a.m., or on 88.9, WKNA FM, Saturdays at 8 a.m. and Sundays at noon. Or listen to archived shows online anytime.

Thanks to Sheila Edmundson

Saturday, June 14, 2003 in Smart City

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A yellow sign on the side of the road reads "NO DATA CENTER"

Data center developers are using lawsuits, cash offers to ‘overwhelm’ rural America

Newsrooms in five states worked together to uncover the tactics big tech developers use to buy land from reluctant communities.

3 hours ago - The Oregonian

A woman in the snowy woods wraps two children in blankets.

U.S.-Iran war may have ‘devastating’ impact on cost to warm homes

Vermont and Maine residents may see a 76% increase in the cost of warming their homes this winter.

October 9 - Grist

Construction worker uses a power saw to cut through metal.

Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws

Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.

October 9 - Smart Cities Dive