Weigh Less – Walk to Work

Leading a healthy lifestyle is one of the main factors in warding off diseases and preventing premature aging. Eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep and exercising are key factors in conducting this way of life.  It is quick and easy to jump in your car and commute to work, but walking, cycling or using public transport has shown to be advantageous not only by reducing pollution, but by lowering your weight gain.

Studies undertaken by Adam Martin and his colleagues from the University of East Anglia, (United Kingdom), analyzed data collected on 4,056 men and women over a two year period.  During certain intervals the participants described their usual main mode of transport for their daily commute, and provided details of their height and weight (BMI).  The researchers determined whether changes in mode of transport were linked to changes in weight over a two year period.

In the first analysis, some 179 people had switched from using their car to walking, cycling or using public transport.  They showed a BMI reduction of 0.32 kg/m2, about 1kg per person on average.  The further the commute, the greater the reduction in the BMI.  In the second analysis, the study evaluated people who had switched from walking, cycling or using public transport to using their own motor vehicle.  It was reported that these people showed a weight gain of around 1kg or 0.34 kg/m2.  It was concluded that the overall BMI of the population can be reduced by encouraging the use of public transport, walking or cycling.