Recreational spaces in B40 communities can reduce obesity, say experts

 

Copenhagen’s Superkilen public park revitalised a low-income neighbourhood in Denmark and strengthened community integration through its design. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Urban planning experts are calling for more recreational spaces to be built in lower-income neighbourhoods to combat obesity.

University Malaya’s Goh Hong Ching said B40 neighbourhoods suffer from a shortage of quality outdoor recreational spaces, with existing ones only meeting the most basic requirements.

Many recreational spaces are provided as open or green spaces without adequate facilities to support proper recreational activities,

 she told FMT, adding that developers tend to do so to minimise costs.

In May, the health ministry’s National Health and Morbidity Survey revealed that 54.4% of adults are either overweight or obese, a 10% increase from the figure reported in a similar study conducted in 2011.

The survey found that, at 41%, the B40 group formed the largest percentage of those with metabolic syndrome, which includes abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high blood triglycerides, and low HDL-cholesterol.

In comparison, the M40 group had a 30% incidence rate, while the T20 group’s number stood at 35%.

The survey also revealed that one in three adults in Malaysia were not physically active, with about 84% not engaging in sports, fitness, leisure activities, cycling or walking.

Consultant pediatrician and activist Dr Amar-Singh HSS said the lack of mobility extends to children as well.

He said a study he conducted revealed that 66% of children remain indoors because 86% of parents believe it to be safer.

This 

indoor lifestyle

 is worsened by a screen addiction epidemic among young children, Amar said, with data collated in 2016 showing that two-year-olds in Malaysia tend to spend six hours on screens every day.

He said the lack of mobility among children is a major factor contributing to obesity.

If children are not playing outdoors, they are using screens indoors. Epidemiologic studies have shown an association between screen time and the risk of obesity in children and adolescents,

 he said.

Amar also highlighted the lack of recreational and green spaces in the country, with Kuala Lumpur only having 6% coverage.

In contrast, Seoul boasts coverage at 25.2%, London (20%), Singapore and Melbourne (17.8%), and New York City (14%).

‘Parkified’ neighbourhoods

Shima Lim, another urban planning expert from Universiti Malaya, said there was a link between accessibility to recreational facilities and a lower body mass index (BMI).

The focus of linking green areas with weight control should extend beyond provision and availability. It should consider whether residents are attracted to use the spaces and if the spaces are being used as intended,

 she said.

Lim called for the use of better quality equipment, improvements to landscaping, better use of space, and easier access to recreational areas.

Meanwhile, Goh proposed the building of indoor complexes to overcome land constraints. She said the provision of better lighting, adequate seating and quality amenities would also encourage the use of recreational spaces.

Goh said there are many successful examples of 

parkified

 neighbourhoods around the world to draw inspiration from.

She cited the Spain Library Park in Medellin, Colombia, which transformed a high-crime area into a series of parks with libraries, cultural spaces and recreational areas, providing safe places for learning and social interaction.

Superkilen public park in Copenhagen, Denmark revitalised a low-income neighbourhood and strengthened community integration through its design, integrating cultural objects from around the world, urban furniture, playgrounds and sports facilities.

South Africa’s Khayelitsha Skatepark also offers a safe recreational space for youth and serves as a hub for youth activities and community engagement, she said. - FMT