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Study: Larger Commutes Mean Larger Waistlines

Z

Zoning Goddess

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Tranplanner said:
Found this article at CNN this morning...interesting.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/HEALTH/05/31/fat.drivers.ap/index.html
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Another reason to be glad I live pretty close to the office. Although most of the folks I know who have long commutes spend the drive time consuming copious amounts of coffee, so that by the time they get to work they can't sit still, which I would think would work off some extra calories.
 
Wulf9

Wulf9

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Zoning Goddess said:
Another reason to be glad I live pretty close to the office. Although most of the folks I know who have long commutes spend the drive time consuming copious amounts of coffee, so that by the time they get to work they can't sit still, which I would think would work off some extra calories.
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If they stopped by Starbucks for a medium mocha on their way to work, they got a calorie count equal to a Big Mac. A mocha and a pastry is like eating a Big Mac meal. Watch what you drink on that commute.
 
mendelman

mendelman

Unfrozen Caveman Planner
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...and make sure you don't eat anything, if possible.

I don't eat or drink anything during my loong commute and I'm pretty sure it has helped me keep off unnecessary weight.
 
S

Seabishop

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3,838
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It might just be a function of lost time. Its not just the stereotypical, lazy suburbanite factor, its that if you spend 2 hours a day commuting (by car or train) you have less time leftover for exercise.
 
JNL

JNL

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mendelman said:
...and make sure you don't eat anything, if possible.

I don't eat or drink anything during my loong commute and I'm pretty sure it has helped me keep off unnecessary weight.
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Surely water and fruit wouldn't do you any harm. If you felt the need for refreshment on a long commute.
 
mendelman

mendelman

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JNL said:
Surely water and fruit wouldn't do you any harm. If you felt the need for refreshment on a long commute.
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True

I was mainly thinking in terms of the normal junk that most people eat/drink.

Also, I think the link between obesity and constant auto use is more a function of greatly decreased activity levels. If you have a long commute and also have to drive to do errands for daily needs (groceries, etc.) than one is burning fewer calories than if walking or biking were a part of one's daily routine (and not just exercise for exercise sake)
 
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