Obesity Rate, Economy Condition and Races: Exploration on Spatial Heterogeneity of Obesity- Related Factors Based on Geographical Weighted Regression (GWR) in City of Los Angeles

Obesity is a severe health problem in the world and obesity prevention in the United States is vital for the well-being of citizens and society as a whole. Goal of this research is to examine the correlation between adult obesity rate and economy condition and different races. It also explores the spatial heterogeneity of the impact of studied variables using geographic weighted regression (GWR) by census tract. Study area is city of Los Angeles where has diverse population and the income disparities. Results show that spatial distribution of adult obesity rate has significant clustering effect (Moran's I = 0.72). We also found high spatial heterogeneity in adult obesity rate and studied variables. Since at different locations, impacts of different races and economy condition varied greatly, this research can provide useful information for more targeted obesity prevention programs in city of Los Angeles in the future.