[At-network] New study - rapid transit reduces body mass

The Effect of Light Rail Transit on Body Mass Index and Physical Activity

Background: The built environment can constrain or facilitate physical activity. Most studies of the health consequences of the built environment face problems of selection bias associated with confounding effects of residential choice and transportation decisions.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that improving neighborhood environments and increasing the public's use of LRT systems could provide improvements in health outcomes for millions of individuals.

http://www.ajpm-online.net/article/S0749-3797%2810%2900297-7/fulltext

(Am J Prev Med 2010;39(2):105-112) © 2010 American Journal of Preventive Medicine