Urbanites Vs. Suburbanites: Who's Healthier?

A study compares obesity in urban dwellers and suburnanites.

1 minute read

June 7, 2004, 6:00 AM PDT

By Abhijeet Chavan @http://twitter.com/legalaidtech

"[A] new study has found that people living in urban communities lined with shops and businesses...weigh an average of 10 pounds less than those living in residential-only subdivisions...

The urban dwellers are also about 35 per cent less likely to be obese than the suburbanites, according to research published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

The key distinction between the two groups was their proximity to shopping. Having stores within one kilometre of homes makes it far more likely people will walk. To no one's surprise, the research found that people living in low-density, suburban neighbourhoods drive a lot, often hours a day in commuting alone."

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan

FULL STORY: Urban sprawl, middle-age spread

Friday, June 4, 2004 in The Globe and Mail

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