Non-Car Commuters Thinner, Study Finds

Walking, biking or even riding public transit to work can help with weight control, a new study suggests. The study was based on a survey of about 7,500 people in the United Kingdom. Nearly 74% commuted by car. About 10% of men and 11% of women used public transit. About 14% of men and 17% of women walked or biked to work. A nurse visited people and measured their height, weight and percentage of body fat. Researchers adjusted the numbers to account for factors that may affect weight. These included age, medical conditions, income, social class and other exercise. They found that BMI was lower for those who did not drive to work. Effects were similar whether people commuted by foot, bicycle or public transit. For example, men in these groups had BMI scores between 0.9 and 1.1 points lower than the men who drove themselves.