Cyclists weigh less in terms of body fat and experts are even recommending drivers to switch to cycling as the primary mode of transportation and to be able to make up for time exercising than spending hours on the road just making a trip to work.
Cyclists weigh less due to activity during travel
An international collegial team of researchers from the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London in the United Kingdom, after studying data of no less than 11,000 adults all across Europe.
Research lead Dr. Audrey de Nazelle points out that the research was part of the project called the Physical Activity through Sustainable Transport Approaches (PASTA) to study the various forms of transport and how it influences physical activity and the overall health of citizens.
Poor health results from lack of exercise
According to the World Health Organization, one of the foremost reasons for poor health of people today is from lack of adequate exercise. Lack of exercise has also been tagged as one of the primary risk factors of death around the world
It is also found to increase the risks of heart problems, obesity, cancer and other cardiovascular diseases.
Almost 9 pounds heavier
During the course of the research, participants were made to answer what mode of transport they used when travelling or commuting and the time spent for their regular travel.
The participants also provided their weight and height, as well as their feedback regarding cycling and walking. The data revealed that participants who drove cars as their primary form of transport were on average 4 kilograms heavier compared to those who rode bikes.
“If people can integrate this into their daily lives, such as going to work or going shopping, then it means you don’t have to make special time commitments and it’s more affordable for everybody,” says Nazelle. “Getting people to walk and bike as part of their daily transport modes is really an ideal solution to try to tackle this epidemic of physical inactivity.”
Benefits of cycling
Studies show that cycling is more than just a physical activity as it can even enhance mental awareness and helps enhance the immune system to fight off diseases.
Numerous researches have come up with a wide variety of benefits that one can get from cycling like increased muscle strength and flexibility, increased cardiovascular fitness, better joint mobility, reduced stress levels, improved posture and body coordination, bone strength, reduced levels of body fat, boosts immune system and reduces anxiety and depression.
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