Posts about Obesity

Fewer, smaller gulps?: To reduce high levels of obesity and its associated costs, New York mayor Bloomberg wants to ban the sale of most sugary drinks above 16 ounces. The soda industry is already moving to counter the proposal. (NYT) (Comment)

And...: As expected, the Ward 5 special election will be May 15. (Post) ... A Chicago columnist criticizes the Cubs for riding transit. (The Green Miles) ... As Americans get wider, so do transit seats. (NYT) (Comment)

Waistlines explode: Just 20 years ago, no state had an adult obesity rate above 15%. Now, national average expanded to 66%. Among states, DC had the second-lowest rate, at 21.7% while Virginia and Maryland had rates of 25.9% and 27.1% respectively. The racial disparities are especially wide in DC. (Post) (Comment)

Fatter Americans mean heavier buses: The FTA is proposing new bus safety regulations that increase the average passenger weight assumption from 150 to 175 pounds and increase the floor space required per passenger. (Bloomberg, Alex B.) (Comment)

Transit fits: The people over at the Freakonomics Blog have compiled the various articles and infographics floating around the web addressing transportation choices and obesity. Unlike the questionable comparisons of state driving and obesity rates, there actually is a reputable scientific study that shows weight loss in transit riders. Meanwhile, TheCityFix covers new VTPI and APTA reports about public health benefits of transit. (Freakonomics Blog, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, CityFix) (Comment)

Drop that burger: Despite Sec. LaHood's good intentions, the link between obesity and walkability is weak. No amount of walking will counteract lunch at McDonald's. (Next American City) (Comment)

Posts about Obesity

Smart Growth

Transit

Education & Safety

Public Space

Safe Streets

Historic Preservation

Government