Cars Make Americans 15% More Obese: Stop Driving, Stay Thin

Okay, I know--there are a lot of things that can make you fat. Fast food can make you fat. Lack of exercise can make you fat. Plastic is making us fat. And according to PETA, not being a vegetarian can make you fat too.

But here's one thing that makes you fat you might not consider as often: your car.

TreeHugger recently noted that there's a direct correlation between the obesity rate in a nation, and the amount of driving as a primary means of transportation. Yup, you guessed it--the more walking and biking a nation does, the lower its obesity rate. The more driving, the higher.

Which is why Americans are on average some 15% more obese than residents of European countries like Spain, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. Only 5% of Americans regularly bike or walk as a form of transit, while over 50% of people in those countries do. And not all of this is purely from the exercise that you get by walking or biking, either.

Which is why Americans are on average some 15% more obese than residents of European countries like Spain, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. Only 5% of Americans regularly bike or walk as a form of transit, while over 50% of people in those countries do. And not all of this is purely from the exercise that you get by walking or biking, either.

As Lloyd Alter notes, when driving isn't an option, you can't bring home a massive bounty from the grocery store--you buy what you can carry home instead. This makes you consider your food choices more, too. Not to mention that in urban areas, where more walking and biking as a means of transit are feasible, there are more and better choices for healthy eating.

So if you're feeling a bit overweight, forget giving up sweets. Try giving up your car.