5 years ago
Where you live could make you fat. That's the theory behind a new study out of the University of Maryland. Researchers are looking at the relationship between a person's neighborhood and obesity.
The crazy pace of the big city might be stressful, but some urban planners say living amid the hustle and bustle might be healthier than living in more rural areas.
Participants in the university study wear a small sensor, like a glorified pedometer, that measures physical activity. They also log their activity in a travel diary for one week. They?re paid $40 for their trouble.
Researchers say folks may be blaming less transportation, shopping and entertainment choices within walking distance, or the lack of trails and exercise outlets built into your neighborhood.
And that may be true. It could be a year before the university study determines if urban sprawl has anything to do with America's sprawling waistline.
The University of Maryland is now recruiting volunteers who live in urban Bethesda and suburban Olney, as well as Forest Glen, Four Corners and Layhill. By next Fall, they should be able to tell us if living in one neighborhood is healthier than another. Click on video to see Jennifer Ryan's report.
Written By 9 News
