I just started biking in to work last week, mostly because I told myself I’d do it eventually and eventually was taking a very long time. However, the added bonus of offsetting the cost of gas is certainly one that I appreciate, and I can see how it would get people to use their vehicles less. I guess that’s one good thing about high gas prices. That said, I’d like to see prices with a “2″ in front of them again.

I am skeptical that higher gas prices will cause a decline in obesity. Higher gas prices will also indirectly affect the cost of food prices (since shipping and transport costs will also increase). With an increase in food prices, naturally the shift will be to finding cheaper food and nutritious food always costs more — junk food will still probably be cheaper.

Since I have never owned a car..and have walked just about everywhere I need to go for most of my adult life (I get rides every once in awhile) the price of gas for me has never really been an issue. The price of everything else bothers me, like fresh fruit and veggies..pretty soon only the wealthy will be able to pay the high prices.

I totally agree. I’m living in Japan and the price of one litre is now 182 which adds up to well over $4 a gallon. I decided to start biking to my gym. The summer here gets to around 36 degrees and high humidity but, the 10km ride to my gym is a hell of a lot more interesting than a exercycle or treadmill. And, I don’T really need to warm up much anymore.

I personally don’t drive but all my ‘overweight’ friends do..some link here??..i have been working out harder past few months than i have for a long time and the efforts are showing..i am loving the admiring glances from all the beautiful girls..and it really makes me work harder,can’t wait for my holiday to spain in eight weeks..i’m going to be fighting them off..LOL..!
take it easy man..peace..

A few days late…but better late than never!

Increasing gasoline prices will increase, rather than decrease obesity.

While it is true that some people will use public transportation, walk or bicycle instead of their cars (and thereby get more exercise) and that people may choose to eat out less, let’s look at who in this country is most likely to be obese. The simple fact is the poorer you are, the more likely you are to be obese.

One cause of obesity is poor food choices and cost is definitely a factor. Mac n’ cheese costs less than grass-fed beef. A candy bar costs less than a piece of fresh fruit. Soft drinks cost less than fat free milk. Increased gasoline prices have already driven up food costs and will make good food choices more expensive.

Commuting to work probably accounts for most gasoline use in most households. In this country of suburbs, I expect that most people do not have the option of switching to walking, bicycling or even public transportation to get to work. Where the normal household will cut back on gasoline use is in discretionary trips — people will stay home rather than going somewhere. And at home they will be watching television — not a prescription for fitness.

Concerning eating out: I agree that families may cut back on their restaurant meals and this will impact mid-range restaurants the most. These are the restaurants where you can order grilled fish and steamed veggies off the menu. Instead, people may choose to go to McD’s, BK, KFC etc. where prices are lower and fat content is higher. Again, not a good outlook for improving obesity numbers.

Overall, increasing gasoline prices will also negatively impact the economy. People will lose their jobs. Poverty will increase and with it, obesity.

Anyway, that’s what I think….
Martha