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Higher gasoline price seen trimming down Americans

NEW YORK - Higher U.S. gasoline prices may slim more than just wallets, according to a new study from Washington University in St. Louis and reported by Reuters News Agency.

Entitled "A Silver Lining? The Connection between Gas Prices and Obesity," the study found that an additional $1 per gallon in real gasoline prices would reduce U.S. obesity by 15 percent after five years.

The report, written by Charles Courtemanche for his doctoral dissertation in health economics, found that the 13 percent rise in obesity between 1979 and 2004 can be attributed to falling pump prices.

Gasoline hit a low of less than $1.50 per gallon in 2000 before moving back to a record high of $3.22 in May 2007.

Higher gasoline prices can reduce obesity by leading people to walk or cycle instead of drive and eat leaner at home instead of rich food at restaurants.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 5:31 PM to Fun , Gas prices | Permalink

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