Walking, biking to work offers health benefits: study

London – Walking or cycling to work may help protect against diabetes and being overweight, according to a study from Imperial College London and University College London.

Using survey data from 20,458 people in the United Kingdom, researchers examined the link between various modes of transportation to work and health indicators. Compared to drivers, people who walked to work were approximately 40 percent less likely to have diabetes. Cyclists had about half the risk as drivers, researchers found.

People who walked, cycled or took public transportation to work also had a lower risk of being overweight, and walkers were less likely to have high blood pressure.

Researchers recommended reducing car use to lower the risk of health problems.

The study was published in the September issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.