A recent large UK study has found people who cycle, walk or catch the train or bus to work keep more weight off than commuters who travel by car. The results come from 150,000 UK adults aged 40 or older who agreed to be measured and weighed and fill in a survey about their typical journey to and from work. Cycling came out as the best activity for staying trim, followed by walking. But even those who used public transport were leaner than car users.
Study author Dr Ellen Flint, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "We know that physical activity can help prevent obesity - absolutely we do - and yet, two thirds of the UK population don't achieve weekly recommended levels of physical activity. "This study shows basically that people who do manage to build some level of physical exertion into their commute, even if it's just walking to a bus stop or cycling a short distance, they tend to be less heavy and have less body fat than people who drive all the way to work."
Justin Varney, deputy director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, said: "Physical activity can play a role in maintaining a healthy weight, and helps to prevent or manage over 20 long-term conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
Walking and cycling are some of the easiest ways for people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives and it is never too late to start."
For full article, see here.
Study author Dr Ellen Flint, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "We know that physical activity can help prevent obesity - absolutely we do - and yet, two thirds of the UK population don't achieve weekly recommended levels of physical activity. "This study shows basically that people who do manage to build some level of physical exertion into their commute, even if it's just walking to a bus stop or cycling a short distance, they tend to be less heavy and have less body fat than people who drive all the way to work."
Justin Varney, deputy director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, said: "Physical activity can play a role in maintaining a healthy weight, and helps to prevent or manage over 20 long-term conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.
Walking and cycling are some of the easiest ways for people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives and it is never too late to start."
For full article, see here.
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