Examining childhood obesity and the environment of a segregated, lower-income US suburb

Purpose – The contribution of the built environment within communities plays a significant role in the higher rates of childhood obesity, particularly among black and Hispanic youth. The purpose of this paper is to investigate neighborhood assets and barriers to nutrition and physical activity in an underserved, majority-minority suburban community in New York State, USA using Photovoice, a community-based participatory research method. Design/methodology/approach – Nine local youth took photographs to visually identify the community’s environmental assets and barriers. Through an extensive review and selection of photos and group discussion themes were identified. Final results of the Photovoice project were presented to local policy makers and community members for action. Findings – Participants provided complex and insightful perspectives of health inequalities in the suburbs, including limited access to fresh, healthy food, and safe spaces for physical activity. They also understood that improving nu...