Sick Cities, Exhausted Bodies The Impact of Urban Planning on the Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The accelerated process of urbanization has transformed lifestyles in cities, directly influencing the social determinants of health. Disordered urban models centered on motorized transport and economic productivity contribute to unhealthy environments, promoting sedentary behavior, environmental pollution, and chronic stress, which are associated with an increased prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Objective: To analyze the impact of urban planning on the prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases based on national and international scientific literature. Methodology: This is a qualitative study with a narrative literature review design. The search was conducted in the Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using descriptors related to urban planning, built environment, and urban health, in Portuguese and English. Articles published in the last 20 years, available in full text and aligned with the study objective, were included, totaling ten articles selected for descriptive and interpretative analysis. Conclusion: The findings indicate that urban planning plays a determining role in shaping contemporary epidemiological profiles. Urban environments characterized by automobile-centered mobility, scarcity of green areas, environmental pollution, and socio-spatial inequality are associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk, as well as mental health disorders. Conversely, urban models that encourage active mobility and access to high-quality public spaces present better population health indicators. It is concluded that addressing chronic diseases requires an intersectoral approach that recognizes urban territory as a central element in health promotion and quality of life improvement.

Keywords: Urban planning; Chronic diseases; Urban health; Built environment; Quality of life.