Cycling regularly can help tackle obesity
| Updated: Jul 9, 2018, 14:36 IST
We’re living in times of severe air pollution and while cycling to work might seem like a ‘bizzare’ idea, it’s actually a really effective way to tackle pollution. But, wait. Cycling also helps tackle obesity, a new study states. A new study done by Hasselt University in Belgium and Imperial College London found that cycling can help reduce obesity in individuals who belong to the urban population.
The study, published in the journal Environment International, also found that riding an electric bike (e-bike) is associated with a higher (body mass index) BMI as compared to regular cyclists. By following over 2,000 urban dwellers over time, the team found that men who switch from car driving to cycling for their daily commute to work lose on average 0.75 kg of weight, with an average decrease in BMI of 0.24. For women, this was a little bit less.
“Travel by car contributes to obesity and also air pollution. In contrast, bikes burn fat and don’t pollute,” said Audrey de Nazelle, from Imperial College London. The team also found that people who cycle at least occasionally to go to work or to run errands maintained their weight well. “Cycling prevents overweight people from gaining additional weight and prevents those, who are of normal weight, from becoming overweight or obese,” said Evi Dons from Hasselt University.
The study, published in the journal Environment International, also found that riding an electric bike (e-bike) is associated with a higher (body mass index) BMI as compared to regular cyclists. By following over 2,000 urban dwellers over time, the team found that men who switch from car driving to cycling for their daily commute to work lose on average 0.75 kg of weight, with an average decrease in BMI of 0.24. For women, this was a little bit less.
“Travel by car contributes to obesity and also air pollution. In contrast, bikes burn fat and don’t pollute,” said Audrey de Nazelle, from Imperial College London. The team also found that people who cycle at least occasionally to go to work or to run errands maintained their weight well. “Cycling prevents overweight people from gaining additional weight and prevents those, who are of normal weight, from becoming overweight or obese,” said Evi Dons from Hasselt University.