According to a new study in the American Journal of Health Promotion, people who live in the densest, pedestrian-friendly parts of New York City have a significantly lower body mass index (less body fat) compared to other New Yorkers.
The researchers say placing shops, restaurants and public transit near residences may promote walking and independence from private automobiles.
"There are relatively strong associations between built environment and BMI," said the study’s lead author Andrew Rundle of the Mailman School of Public Health. "You’re not going to get off the couch to walk to the corner store if there’s no corner store to walk to."
Conversely, other research has shown that suburban sprawl and all the driving that comes with it leads to health woes. More at www.livescience.com.