Commuters advised to walk more and drive less

A survey conducted in the Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology study has found that people who cycle, walk, or catch the train are more likely to maintain a healthy, slim weight than commuters who travel by car.

The survey included the responses of 150,000 adults in the UK aged 40 or older who also agreed to be measured and weighed and fill in a survey about their typical journey to and from work.

The research showed that cycling was reported as the best activity for staying trim, followed by walking. The authors of the study compared the bodyweight and lifestyles of 72,999 men and 83,667 women. It also revealed that even after factoring the differences in leisure-time, exercise, diet and occupations, the trend between commute method and bodyweight remained.

The research suggested that an average height man would weigh around 5kg less if he were to cycle rather than drive to work each day, while the average height woman would weigh 4.4 kg less.

The data found that 64 per cent of men and 61 per cent of women commuted by car. However just four per cent of men and two per cent of women reported cycling or doing a mix of cycling and walking.

Dr Ellen Flint, from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and author of the study, said: "We know that physical activity can help prevent obesity - absolutely we do - and yet, two thirds of the UK population don't achieve weekly recommended levels of physical activity.

"This study shows basically that people who do manage to build some level of physical exertion into their commute, even if it's just walking to a bus stop or cycling a short distance, they tend to be less heavy and have less body fat than people who drive all the way to work."

Justin Varney, deputy director of Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England, said: "Physical activity can play a role in maintaining a healthy weight, and helps to prevent or manage over 20 long-term conditions such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

"Walking and cycling are some of the easiest ways for people to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives and it is never too late to start."