Prospective trends in body mass index by main transport mode, 2007–2013

Abstract

Background: Cohort studies have examined whether change in transport mode is associated with change in bodyweight among commuters. We complement this research by examining trends in body mass index (BMI) for men and women who used the same transport mode between 2007 and 2013, and where transport was used for any activity of daily life. Methods: Data are from the HABITAT study, a longitudinal investigation of health among 11,035 persons aged 40–65 residing in 200 neighbourhoods in Brisbane, Australia. Transport mode was measured as private motor vehicle (PMV), public transport, walking, and cycling. Analyses were conducted using random effects models before and after adjustment for time-vary..