| Title: | Residential greenspace indicators and metabolic syndrome in the UK Biobank Cohort: mediation through behavioural, environmental, social and biomarker pathways |
| Journal: | Environmental Research |
| Published: | 13 Jun 2025 |
| Pubmed: | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40517935/ |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.122148 |
Publication 15147
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Greenspace exposure may lower the odds of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the effects of different types and measures of greenspace, as well as the potential pathways underlying greenspace-MetS associations, remain poorly understood.</p>
METHODS: We examined the association between residential greenspace indicators [such as Ordnance Survey MasterMap™ (OSMM) total greenspace, OSMM private gardens, and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI)] and MetS with its components using 221,028 UK Biobank participants (mean age 56.41 years). MetS was defined using Harmonized National Cholesterol Program criteria. We used multivariable linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for covariates, and stratified analyses by sex, age group, neighbourhood deprivation, and healthy diet. We also conducted independent and combined mediation analyses to quantify the magnitude of behavioural, environmental, social, and biomarker pathways on the greenspace-MetS relationship.</p>
RESULTS: Increased exposure to residential greenness (NDVI) was associated with 29.3 % reduced odds of MetS (OR: 0.707; 95 % CI: 0.633, 0.794). The observed association was modified by sex, age group, and neighbourhood deprivation. For individual MetS components, higher NDVI was associated with lower odds of large waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, and high systolic blood pressure, but not elevated diastolic blood pressure or high glucose levels. The combined mediation of behavioural (physical activity, sedentary time, and healthy sleep score), environmental [particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm (PM2.5)], nitrogen dioxide (NO2)], social (loneliness), and biomarker [serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] pathways accounted for 44.41 % of the total NDVI effects on MetS. Individually, NO2 showed the strongest mediation effect, followed by PM10 and serum 25(OH)D. There was no beneficial association between OSMM total greenspace cover or private gardens and MetS, except for individuals in less deprived areas.</p>
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that exposure to higher residential greenspace may lower the odds of MetS through multiple pathways, but the health benefits vary by greenspace indicator.</p>
5 Authors
- Chinonso Christian Odebeatu
- Darsy Darssan
- Charlotte Roscoe
- Simon Reid
- Nicholas J Osborne
1 Application
| Application ID | Title |
|---|---|
| 94579 | Examining how greenspace works: which factors deliver the best health and wellbeing |
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