By: Mark Lange, PhD
Physical inactivity is a leading cause of obesity and premature mortality. A study published in Lancet looked at the relationship between the way 72,999 men and 83,667 women commuted to work and percentage of body fat. The study found that about 60% of men and women commuted by car or public transportation. About 20% of study participants walked or cycled to work. The commuters that cycled to work had the lowest BMIs and a weight difference of 5 kg compared with those driving or taking public transport. Walking also was associated with significantly reduced BMI and body fat, but to a lesser degree. The findings support the case for interventions to promote active transport for prevention of obesity in mid-life.
Source: DOI: The Lancet Vol.4, No. 5. pp 420-435, May 2016
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