Associations between gentrification, greenspaces, and obesity prevalence: A case study of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area Open Access

Abstract

This study investigates the complex interactions between gentrification, greenspace, and obesity prevalence in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, focusing on three primary objectives: to analyze the methodological and contextual factors defining gentrification using three different indices; to assess the impact of greenspace changes on urban areas based on gentrification status; and to examine the association between neighborhood gentrification, walkability, greenspace changes, and obesity prevalence. Data for this analysis were sourced from public databases including the U.S. Census, the American Community Survey, the National Landcover Database, and the CDC Places Database. Gentrification was classified using three established indices— Sutton, Freeman, and Ding—which utilize socioeconomic, demographic, and housing data to segment the metropolitan area into gentrifying, eligible but did not gentrify, and nongentrifiable designations.

These findings indicate significant differences between the indices in identifying gentrifying areas, underscoring the contextual sensitivity of gentrification metrics. While overall changes in canopy cover were minimal, detailed analysis revealed significant disparities in baseline greenspace levels across different neighborhoods, with wealthier, nongentrifiable areas exhibiting the highest greenspace coverage and lowest obesity rates. This suggests that pre- existing conditions significantly influence both the physical and health disparities of communities. Moreover, the study highlights that increased walkability and greenspace are associated with reduced obesity prevalence, emphasizing the importance of these factors in urban planning. However, the benefits varied significantly with gentrification status. In gentrifying areas, despite potential increases in greenspace and infrastructure, obesity prevalence was the highest among all categories. These results advocate for a more nuanced approach to redevelopment that integrates public health considerations, ensuring equitable access to health- promoting amenities. Future policies should focus on creating inclusive, sustainable environments that support the well-being of all urban residents, particularly for those in transitioning neighborhoods. 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 

Abstract ................................................................................................ 1

Title .................................................................................................... 2

Acknowledgements .................................................................................. 3

Introduction ........................................................................................... 5

Methods ................................................................................................ 8

Aim 1 ......................................................................................... 8

Aim 2 ......................................................................................... 11

Aim 3 ......................................................................................... 12

Results ................................................................................................. 13

Sutton Gentrification Index ................................................................ 13

Freeman Gentrification Index ............................................................. 14

Ding Gentrification Index .................................................................... 14

Comparing Gentrification Indices ......................................................... 15

Selecting an Index for Canopy Change Analysis ....................................... 18

City Level Sutton Index .................................................................... 19

Gentrification and Canopy Coverage ..................................................... 20

Obesity Prevalence Associations ............................................................ 22

Discussion ............................................................................................. 25

Comparing Gentrification Indices in Atlanta............................................. 25

Greenspace Dynamics and Gentrification in Atlanta .................................... 27

Obesity Trends in Gentrifying Atlanta ..................................................... 28

Limitations ............................................................................................ 30

Public Health Implications .......................................................................... 31

Bibliography .......................................................................................... 33

Tables and Figures .................................................................................... 36 

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Epidemiology
Subfield / Discipline	Epidemiology - MPH & MSPH
Degree	M.P.H.
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Epidemiology
Keyword	gentrification, greeenspace, obesity, Atlanta
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Dr. Joellen M. Schildkraut, Emory University
Committee Members	Dr. Daniel Wiese, American Cancer Society
Partnering Agencies	National or regional non-profit organization (e.g., American Cancer Society)

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