Here’s a good reason to move closer to work…

Do you spend most of your day commuting? If so, you won’t like the following news. Some new research has discovered that long distance commuters are more likely to be overweight. Yes, really.

The Irish Independent reports that research by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has shown a direct link between the size of someone’s waist and how far they have to drive to get to work.

It sounds crazy, but apparently people who spend the majority of their day commuting to and from work are also likely to have higher blood pressure and lack in the cardiovascular fitness area.

“Longer commuting distance may lead to a reduction in overall energy expenditure,” said Christine Hoehner, who led the study.

A survey of 4,300 people was undertaken and a key factor in the research was the ability of commuters to take some kind of moderate or vigorous exercise during their week.

The study revealed that people who commuted more than 15 miles to work were less likely to have time to get fit than those who didn’t travel as far, and blood pressure was higher among people who were in the car for 10 miles or more in the morning and evening as they travelled to or from work.

“This study yields new information about biological outcomes and commuting distance, an understudied contributor to sedentary behaviour that is prevalent among employed adults,” said Ms Hoehner.

The findings echo various other studies which believe that in order to remain healthy, if possible, you should live closer to your work so you can walk, rather than drive.

So if you needed an excuse to give up your current daily commuting hell, this is a good one – although you might have to convince your girlfriend/wife otherwise when it comes to moving house…