Get on your bike to lose weight, commuters told
Commuters who cycle, walk or catch the bus or train to work keep more weight off than those who drive, according to a British study.
The data comes 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 keep off the flab, followed by walking.
For the average man aged 53, cycling to work instead of driving was associated with a weight difference of 5kg (11lbs).
But even those who used public transport were leaner than car users.
The authors of the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology study say their findings show even a little physical activity is better doing nothing.
They reached their conclusions by comparing the bodyweights and lifestyles of the 72,999 men and 83,667 women in their large study.
Lead scientist Dr Ellen Flint, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:
BMI, a measure that relates weight and height, was 1.71 kg/m2 lower for men who cycled and 1.65 kg/m2 lower for women.