Can the Physical Environment Determine Physical Activity Levels?

In Brief Does your place of residence affect your level of physical activity and ultimately your weight and health? There is relatively strong evidence of association between compact development patterns and use of active travel modes such as walking and transit. There is weaker evidence of linkage between compact development, overall physical activity, and downstream weight and health effects. Urban sprawl appears to discourage walking and transit use, and may affect overall physical activity, weight, and health.