A fellow epidemiologist shared this recent article in the NY Times reporting research findings on public transportation's role in reducing obesity rates. It appears that, in most cases, riding public transportation involves a modest amount of walking: "New Yorkers typically walk about a quarter of a mile to get to their initial subway stop, and then presumably do the same to get to their destinations once they step off the subway." Now epidemiologists are beginning to quantify the health benefits associated with these short walks: one study found that light-rail riders in Charlotte, NC, walked an average of 1.2 miles (1.9 km) daily, which after 6 months resulted in an average BMI reduction of 1.18, which is no small potatoes.
South Africa experiences a somewhat paradoxical relationship with obesity: rates of overweight/obesity are rising quickly while food insecurity is still a significant concern. The most recent (2002) SA Demographic and Health Survey (published by MRC) found that over 50% of women and nearly 30% of men were classified as overweight or obese, regardless of ethnicity. Interestingly, urban women had higher rates of obesity than rural women, which suggests the impact of reduced physical activity. Eventually a quick trip to the gym isn't enough to fight against a sedentary day spent in an office and car, as well as the ever-growing portion sizes of restaurant meals. These optimistic results of the US-based studies demonstrate that public transportation isn't only better for the health of the city, but also for the health of the individual.
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