Traffic density and increased BMI are linked

People living in neighbourhoods where they perceived traffic made it unpleasant to walk were more likely to have a higher BMI than those who didn't. This is according to a new University of Alberta study looking at the relationship between the built environment , socio-economic status , and changes in BMI over a 6 year period. "We found that the more people perceived that traffic was a problem in their neighbourhood, the more likely they were to have a higher BMI. But whether this means that those people were less active, we don't know, but we do know this is something to be followed up on," said Berry, a professor in behavioural medicine and a population health expert in the Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation. This study surveyed 822 edmontonians by phone and included questions about age, gender, education, employment, marital status and household annual income. Participants were also asked whether they had moved since 2002.