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A healthy diet and regular physical activity is needed across all stages of life, as these are essential for early child development and can prevent poor pregnancy outcomes, falls in older adults, as well as many chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, heart disease, and cancer. These factors play a large role in premature morbidity and mortality.

Moreover, it is important to consider the built environment’s role in healthy eating and physical activity. The built environment may include transportation, safety concerns, and food choices, which can create barriers and can impact access to fitness opportunities and affordable, healthy food. Achieving greater livability through land use and housing, expanding and improving parks and open space, and promoting sustainable local food are also areas that have a strong influence on healthy lifestyles.