Switching from driving to work to walking, cycling, or taking public transit may help commuters lose weight according to an observational study.
By analyzing responses to the British Household Panel Survey from 2004-2007, researchers have found making the switch results in an average weight loss of one kg. The longer the commute the stronger the associated weight loss: a 10 minute commute results in approximately two kg lost, and a 30 minute commute brings an average loss of seven kg.
The results also showed that switching from one of these methods or transportation to driving results in an average weight gain of one kg.
Individuals who switched from driving to an alternative mode of transportation were typically younger and less likely to have an easy access to a car.
Original research paper published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health on May 7, 2015.
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