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“Is your commute really making you fat?”: The causal effect of commuting distance on height-adjusted weight

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  • Lorenz, Olga
  • Goerke, Laszlo

Abstract

This paper explores the causal relationship between commuting distance and height-adjusted weight (BMI) in Germany, using micro-level data for the period 2004 – 2012. In contrast to previous papers, we find no evidence that longer commutes are associated with a higher BMI. The non-existence of a relationship between BMI and commuting distance prevails when physical activity and eating habits are adjusted for.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorenz, Olga & Goerke, Laszlo, 2016. "“Is your commute really making you fat?”: The causal effect of commuting distance on height-adjusted weight," VfS Annual Conference 2016 (Augsburg): Demographic Change 145569, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc16:145569
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D00 - Microeconomics - - General - - - General
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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