It's no surprise that walking or cycling is healthier than driving, according to Pannochka, an online publication for girls and women aged 14 to 35.. net But until recently, scientists have not compared the health of those who drive their own car to work, and public transport passengers.

A study conducted by a team of scientists from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, along with colleagues from University College London, found the answer to this question..

Previous research has illustrated the benefits of additional physical activity for body weight and heart health.. But before, scientists relied heavily on the reports of the patients themselves, and they could be biased.. This time scientists tried to avoid such restrictions..

A study published in BMJ analyzed participants' body mass (BMI) and percentage of body fat.. These indicators are objective and are markers of obesity..

The results of the latest work could have a big impact on transportation and health policy, especially in the US, where 86% of workers own their own vehicle..

Obesity is a serious problem in the US, where more than 1/3 of the adult population suffers from it.. Many of the leading causes of death, such as stroke and heart attack, are associated with obesity.. And the annual medical expenses of an obese American are on average $1,429 higher than those of a normal weight American..

Analysis of new data.

The researchers analyzed data from the United Kingdom Household Longitudinal Study, the largest nationally representative data source.. In total, they included 7534 measurements of body weight and 7424 measurements of body fat percentage in men and women..

Study participants commuted to work in the following ways:.

•Private transport: 76% of men and 72% of women.

•Public transport: 10% of men and 11% of women.

•Walking or cycling: 14% of men and 11% of women Scientists found that participants who traveled to work by public transport had a significantly lower average body mass index and body fat percentage compared to those who used private transport.

Men who used public transport had an average BMI of 1 point less - this difference corresponds to about 7 pounds (3.5 kg) of weight. For women, the difference was 0.7 BMI points, or 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).

The difference between people who use different transport was also found in the percentage of fat in the body.. These differences remained significant even after adding factors such as participants' age, pre-existing medical conditions, and workplace physical activity to the analysis..

From the latter, one more conclusion can be drawn: no matter what you will do at work, it is better to get to work by public transport, and even better - on foot or by bike.

According to the scientists, the identified differences represent "

The path to good health.

The study used a reliable data source and objective indicators. However, it is limited by the lack of analysis of participants' diets and the fact that participants self-reported commuting when completing questionnaires.. The movement of participants by different modes of transport was not taken into account (sometimes by car, sometimes on foot). Finally, observational studies cannot prove causality..

In an accompanying article, scientists from Imperial College London write that “the benefits of public transport are associated with the need to often walk and wait for transport at a bus stop, which is additional physical activity.”.

This once again shows us what is so lacking in modern man to improve health.. Unfortunately, the percentage of private car owners in the 20th century grew in proportion to the decrease in physical activity of people..

Want to start your journey to health and longevity Do not engage in exotic diets and supplements - start small.

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