Walking, cycling, and even using public transport: all of the ways to get to work are beneficial in the fight against obesity.
Especially not the car! An English study published in The Lancet has shown that people who walk or cycle to work have, on average, a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who drive. But more surprisingly, public transport users are less fat!
“We found a reduction in body mass and body fat index in people who used public transport, on foot, by bicycle, or through a combination of the three, compared to those who took their cars, regardless of demographic and socio-economic factors ”, explains lead author of the study, Dr Ellen Flint, professor of public health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in London (UK ).
Small efforts, big consequences
Obesity has been scientifically linked to so many health risks that it has become almost impossible to list them. But among the most important: diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, cardiovascular accidents, cancers, depression… More and more countries’ health policies are focusing on this social problem which has turned into a veritable epidemic.
In addition to diet problems, the lack of physical activity is a real problem in the onset of obesity. However, a few simple measures are accessible to almost everyone: going up the stairs rather than taking the elevator, walking a few minutes to buy your baguette at the bakery … But also leave your car in the garage on working days!
Public transport, for the planet and health
“Many people live too far from their workplace to be able to walk or cycle there, but even physical activity linked to the use of public transport can have significant benefits,” said Dr Flint.
The researchers looked at data from the UK Biobank cohort on the habits of 150,000 people aged 40 to 69. They found that those commuting to work by bicycle had the lowest BMIs compared to those taking their cars: -1.71 for men and -1.65 for women. They were respectively 5 kg and 4.4 kg lighter on average!
Pedestrians also gained on BMI (-0.98 and -0.80). Public transport users arrive in 3e position with a reduction of 0.70 in their index! Results far from negligible.
“In England, two-thirds of adults do not follow the recommendations for physical activity,” reports Dr Flint. A prevention policy against obesity could also involve encouraging the daily use of public transport, particularly among people aged 40 to 50 for whom obesity is starting to be a problem. “
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