Why commuting to work doesn’t mean your health has to go down the tube
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.In the battle against the middle-age spread, commuters have long been recommended to walk or cycle to work. But a major new study has suggested that taking public transport could also be beneficial.
Commuters who have an “active” journey to and from work have lower body-weight and body-fat composition than those who travel by car. According to the study, published in the British Medical Journal, this also includes commuters who take the train, Tube or bus to work.
The study shows that men who had an active commute were on average half a stone (3kg) lighter than men who drove to work, and women 5.5lb (2.5kg) lighter.
Nearly 150,00 body mass index and percentage body-fat measurements were taken from men and women taking part in the study, which involved 40,000 households.
Dr Ellen Flint, co-author of the report and research fellow at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said “This builds on previous research that tells us people who use public transport tend to incorporate a high level of physical activity into their journeys.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments