According to new research, living near a physical activity facility — such as a gym, swimming pool, or football field — might make it a lot easier to keep that New Year’s resolution.
The new study was led by Kate Mason, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in the United Kingdom, and the findings were published in The Lancet Public Health.
Overall, the analysis revealed that living close to an exercise facility did, as expected, lower obesity risk.
Individuals living in close proximity to at least six exercise facilities had a waistline that was 1.22 centimeters smaller, a BMI that was 0.57 points lower, and a body fat percentage that was 0.81 percent lower, on average.
This link was stronger for women and higher-income groups of people, note the researchers.
Additionally, the study found that the farther people lived from a fast food outlet, the smaller were their BMI, waistline, and body fat percentage. This association was the strongest among women.
Taken from an article Published Sunday 31 December 2017 written by Ana Sandoiu
Source: Does living next to a gym lower obesity risk?