Health differences in an unequal city

Cities have a significant influence on people's mental and physical health. City planning has the potential to change behaviors and incentivize a healthier lifestyle through the provision of public goods and urban infrastructure. The bulk of the evidence correlating city configuration and population health comes mostly from cities in the global north, with little evidence from cities in developing countries. This analysis seeks to contribute to bridging this evidence gap. This empirical analysis presents an insight into population health conditions (physical health and overweight-obesity) and its correlation with gender and socioeconomic conditions. Data comes from an extensive annual population survey conducted in Cali, Colombia. Results show that women and the poor report a higher probability of poor physical health and a higher number of days reporting poor mental health. Over-weight and obesity are slightly increasing in the city, particularly amongst women, but there is no clear pattern by socioeconomic conditions. Overweight and obese people are more common amongst married couples, with lower educational attainment and lack of physical activity. This analysis aims to provide insights that can better inform urban policies and city planners to contribute to the global agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals to make cities sustainable, equitable, and livable.