Methods of Commuting Are Associated with Body-Mass Index and Body-Fat Percentage

Is commuting method associated with body weight? In this cross-sectional study, investigators used a large, nationally representative database (U.K. Household Longitudinal Study) to determine the associations between self-reported commuting methods and measures of obesity. Analysis involved about 7500 adults (mean age, 43) for whom data on commuting method, body-mass index (BMI), and body-fat percentage were available.

Seventy-four percent commuted by private transport (mostly car), 10% took public transport (e.g., bus, subway, etc.), and 16% walked or cycled (active transport). Mean BMIs were 28 kg/m² for men and 27 kg/m² for women. After adjusting for multiple potential confounders, commuters who took public transport or active transport h…