Where was this research published?

In the old days we called this a “spurious” relationship or simply poorly operationalized measures.

Highly walkable inner city – that is a minefield, especially for women. Having sidewalks doesn’t mean women use them, especially in the inner city. High BMI is more likely due to a non-active lifestyle (in part, due to living in an environment where walking is not an option due to concerns over public safety). Declairing an area walkable due to its physical infrasture completely ignores the social and psychological context.

I had the misfortune of visiting Buffalo several years ago and did not see many pedestrians, let alone women strolling along the blvds. It is hardly NYC. Since my visit, Buffalo’s crime rates have increased. Walkers in that city, do so at their own risk. There is also a correlation between stress and BMI, maybe walking in Buffalo results in higher BMI because people who walk are stressed out about becoming a crime statistic.