American Dream

A new study from Oregon State University researchers has concluded that low-density suburbs do not lead to obesity. Instead, previous studies that found a link between suburbs and obesity reverse the cause and effect. It turns out that people who are obese tend to locate in auto-friendly suburbs. This does not mean that suburbs caused the obesity, only that suburbs are friendlier to people who prefer to drive.

"People who value walking will tend to choose walkable neighborhoods," says one of the study's co-authors. "People who do not care for walking will tend not to." The above link goes to a newspaper article about the study. You can download the actual study here.