Key factors driving obesity in the UK

Obesity is a persistent issue in the UK. Health Survey England has shown 64.3% of adults are classed as overweight. Research suggests areas where green space will positively impact obesity need to be identified. Here, we evaluate the importance of green space in comparison to other explanatory variables on obesity. We use a Generalised Linear Geostatistical Model to quantify any association between green space and obesity, accounting for demographic factors and unexplained spatial variation. We find the presence of green space is weakly associated with obesity, but mental health and unemployment are. We also identify geographic regions requiring intervention.