Meaning: 'In' refers to a state or condition, indicating that the increase pertains specifically to obesity.

Wrong options:

• of: The preposition 'of' suggests possession or belonging, which does not fit the context of describing an increase in a specific condition.
• to: The preposition 'to' indicates direction or destination, which is not appropriate here as we are discussing a condition rather than a movement.
• at: The preposition 'at' typically indicates a specific point or location, which does not align with the context of discussing an increase in a category.

Correct answer: impacted

Explanation: The verb 'impacted' is the correct choice as it indicates a strong effect on the quality of food, aligning with the context of the sentence about demands on a person's time.

Meaning: 'Impacted' means to have a strong effect on something, in this case, the quality of food.

Wrong options:

• wasted: The verb 'wasted' implies loss or misuse, which does not fit the context of affecting food quality.
• resulted: The verb 'resulted' suggests a consequence rather than a direct effect, making it less suitable in this context.
• affected: While 'affected' could work, 'impacted' conveys a stronger sense of influence, making it the more precise choice.

Correct answer: planning

Explanation: The noun 'planning' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the organization of urban spaces, which is relevant to the discussion of pedestrian-friendly areas.

Meaning: 'Planning' refers to the process of making plans for something, in this case, urban development.

Wrong options:

• roads: The noun 'roads' does not address the broader issue of urban organization, focusing instead on a specific aspect.
• gyms: The noun 'gyms' is unrelated to the context of urban design and does not fit the discussion about accessibility and exercise.
• housing: The noun 'housing' pertains to living accommodations, which is not the focus of the sentence regarding urban design.

Correct answer: has been

Explanation: The phrase 'has been' is the correct present perfect tense, indicating an ongoing effect that started in the past and continues to the present, fitting the context of the sentence about obesity levels.

Meaning: 'Has been' indicates that something started in the past and is still relevant or true now.

Wrong options:

• is being: The phrase 'is being' suggests an ongoing action but does not convey the completed aspect of the effect on obesity levels.
• was: The past tense 'was' implies that the effect is no longer relevant, which contradicts the ongoing nature of the discussion.
• had been: The past perfect 'had been' indicates a completed action before another past event, which is not suitable for the current context.

Correct answer: being

Explanation: The gerund 'being' fits grammatically and contextually as it describes the state of the food being unregulated, aligning with the structure of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Being' refers to the state of existence or condition, indicating that the food is currently unregulated.

Wrong options:

• to be: The infinitive 'to be' does not fit the grammatical structure required here, as the sentence needs a gerund.
• been: The past participle 'been' cannot function as a subject in this context, making it grammatically incorrect.
• is: The present tense 'is' does not convey the ongoing state of unregulated food exposure as effectively as 'being' does.