The Role of Architecture in Obesity Prevention in Schools

This paper critically reviews relevant literature on the importance of architecture in preventing obesity in Schools. Three major themes have been developed and discussed in details to provide an in-depth understanding of the topic of study.

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The Role of Architecture in Obesity Prevention in Schools
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Introduction
The nutritional quality of children has declined in the past ten years or more, contributing to
high rates of childhood obesity (Brener et al., 2013). The study by Reedy and Krebs-Smith
(2010) report that there has been a striking increase of the intake of sugary beverages among
children and adolescents making up most of their total energy intake, while the consumption
of nutritious foods has considerably decreased. Schools are better placed in dealing with the
cumulative incidences of obesity in children and adolescents. This is because the schools
function to provide education and socialisation and are platforms in which the students access
approximately 50% of their dietary intake (Reedy and Krebs-Smith, 2012). However, studies
have demonstrated that school-based nutrition promotion is less effective because they
compete with existing promotions for foods that are not nutritious (Chacon et al., 2015). This
has thus provoked further research and investment in the design and development of new
multifaceted approaches to designing school environments in such a way that they promote
healthy eating. The most recent investigation strategy is the contribution of the school
architectural design, i.e. landscape features, sitting arrangement, interior design etc. in
improving the healthy eating habits and attitudes among learners. The objective of this paper
is to critically review relevant literature on the importance of architecture in preventing
obesity in Schools. Thematic analysis has been used based on the information obtained from
the analysed literature. Three major themes have thus been developed and discussed in details
to provide an in-depth understanding of the topic of study.
Causes of Obesity and the Role of Architectural Design
It is generally accepted that obesity is caused by the disparity between energy consumption
and use, with the rise in positive energy balance being linked to nutrition and lifestyle. The
study by Sahoo et al. (2015) pointed out that obesity in children as a result of the increased

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subsistence of unhealthy diet leading to high consumption of energy or an amalgamation of
both factors. The research by Ogden et al. (2010) has also demonstrated that obesity is also
caused by ones genetic background coupled with environmental factors and dietary
preferences. However, it accounts for less than 5% of obesity cases (Sahoo et al., 2015).
Huang et al. (2013) observe that obesity seems to be caused by an intricate association
between the body’s exposure to obesity and the environment.
Architectural design has been found to play a critical role in the prevention of obesity in
children and adolescents (Gorman et al., 2007). Architectural design in school has been
perceived to consist of the school spaces which has also been defined using three sub-
domains namely policy, physical and legal environments (Gorman et al., 2007). Architectural
design shapes environmental factors such as quality of air, crowding which have been found
to affect appetite and food preferences which are associated with obesity. Gorman et al.
(2007) also found out that architectural design also helps in preventing obesity in children by
providing models that provide recreational spaces, weather protected areas or covered courts.
All these increase physical activity among children that have embraced sedentary lifestyle
(An et al., 2018).
The architectural and interior Design solution to prevent obesity in school
Studies have shown that obesity in school children and adolescents can effectively be
prevented by utilising architectural and interior designs. According to Anthamatten et al.
(2011), architectural design can be used in order to avoid obesity in children by increasing
physical activity while at school through the creation of transitional spaces. The provision of
covered courts or weather-protected spaces both in the indoor and outdoor areas can offer
exceptional space for physical activity especially for children that avoid fields (Sahoo et al.,
2015).

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Existing spaces may also be redesigned further to encourage physical activity. For instance,
the nature trails may be divided and constructed to connect to smaller playgrounds made to
accommodate different age groups (Gorman et al., 2007). This will ensure that those children
who do not like physical activity are encouraged by their friends to participate in physical
activity. An et al. (2018) found out that diet in institutions can also be regulated through
modifying the interior design of the school compound. The school cafeteria is the primary
source of foods for schoolers and thus should be designed to compete with those offering
unhealthy foods but by providing healthy foods and some space for providing nutrition
education. Using architectural design, a school gardening initiative can be introduced as way
of inspiring physical activity and nutritious eating (Gorman et al., 2007). Rosenkranz (2012)
carried out a literature review on service learning and its application in promoting physical
activity, healthy eating and prevention of obesity among college students. The author found
out that the educational approach of incorporating gardening activities did not only promote
healthy eating but also increased awareness on healthy eating and community services. The
author cites the Agatston Urban Nutrition Initiative as a practical example. The initiative was
aimed at solving the problem of poor nutrition and preventing obesity. It incorporated school
gardening among other activities into the education system and the results showed that
programme increased accessibility to healthful food, physical activity and thus decreased the
risk of diabetes.
Another architectural strategy to help in the prevention of obesity in schoolers is the
improvements to stairwells. The study by Soler et al. (2010) suggested the introduction of the
use of stair ways instead of lifts either by increasing the frequency of the steps or encouraging
tis use promoted physical activity which is effective in the prevention of obesity. The school
children can be encouraged to use stair ways by re-designing them by progressive addition of
carpeting, painting, and signage and even by the use of music. This strategy is much

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appropriate in schools with multi-storied buildings which is often the case in urban schools.
The re-designing of the stairways can also be used as a site for posting inspiring or
educational adverts.
Financial Impact of Implementing the Solution
Despite the existing evidence of the efficacy of architectural design to prevent and reduce
obesity among children and adolescents, the cost implication is perhaps the common
inhibiting factors. Gorman et al. (2007) opine that the financial impact on the use of
architectural design in preventing obesity is significant because it requires additional space
and the engagement of professional experts in interior design. Furthermore, the children need
to be interested in the design for it to achieve its objective. This implies that there is a need
for designing and re-designing of the school infrastructure after some time.
Conclusion
Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem due to the alarming rate at which it is
increasing in most countries in addition to the dire consequences it has on the economy (De
Onis et al., 2010). The ineffectiveness of the health promotional messages as a strategy to
reduce obesity should further motivate the health sector to invest more into other approaches.
The use of architectural design method in the prevention of childhood obesity has been found
to be much more effective since over 50% of the food source of the school goers comes from
the school cafeteria. Furthermore, learners spend most of their time at school. However, the
financial implication of utilising architectural design approach is very high, thus making most
of the institution to shy from investing in the method. On the other hand, the economic cost
brought about by child obesity far outweighs the cost implication for adopting the method.
Thus the approach should be recommended to schools as much as possible.

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