Obesity - Greater Greater Washington

Fewer, smaller gulps?

Sat, 02 Jun 2012 15:42:00 EDT

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)

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Soda tax would boost public health (May 18, 2010)
Can NYC build me a personal garage too? (Jan 2, 2008)
New York's DC USA, but with a ferry instead of Metro (Aug 14, 2008)
Obama supports congestion pricing (Mar 28, 2008)
Good ideas almost everyone wants (Mar 27, 2006)

And...

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:45:00 EDT

by Steven Yates

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)

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Waistlines explode

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 12:53:00 EDT

by Eric Fidler

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)

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Black homicide rate drops but remains high (Jun 21, 2011)
Taxes lowest for DC residents and car-free Virginians (Feb 22, 2011)
Make sure you get counted for the 2010 Census (Jan 15, 2010)
Soda tax would boost public health (May 18, 2010)

Fatter Americans mean heavier buses

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:38:00 EDT

by Erik Weber

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.)

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Carper: "Public transportation has saved Americans" (Jun 6, 2008)

Transit fits

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:15:00 EDT

by Erik Weber

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)

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Drop that burger

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 08:50:00 EDT

by Eric Fidler

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)

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