Food Environment and Health in East Asian Cities

Abstract

Despite the heterogeneity in their historical, political and socioeconomic milieu, many East Asian cities have achieved remarkable economic development and elevated public health during the past decades. However, rapid urbanization and accompanying changes in lifestyle and the built environment have also triggered the rapid increase in the burden of obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases (DRCDs) in East Asian cities. Geographers have been trying to investigate the associations between food, food environment and chronic diseases using both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. New research methods such as Geographic Information System (GIS), participatory systems science, and big data analytics as well as cross-regional analysis are now encouraged to utilise for future research on food, food environment and health in the East Asian context.