The key to weight loss definitely lies in diet and exercise. But the facilities around you can also help. If you live in an urban area or city where there are plenty of gyms, health food stores, parks and other leisure facilities, you are more likely to get out and use them for the good of your health.
However, if you live somewhere more rural where getting to the gym can be more of a challenge, you are probably less inclined to make the effort. And that could spell trouble for your weight and wellbeing.
Trulia, a US real estate website, recently revealed the five criteria essential for weight loss in towns and cities: access to healthy food; the number of gyms; the number of sports stores; the number of weight loss classes; and the number of people who walk or cycle to work.
Healthy food is defined as produce available from supermarkets, markets and full-service restaurants as opposed to convenience stores and fast food outlets. Obviously, if you live in a city, you’re more likely to be better served with shops and restaurants compared to rural dwellers. However, you are also more likely to be bombarded with late-night fast food joints and 24-hour stores.
Getting to work on foot or by bike might also be a lot easier in an urban sprawl, though living in the country is a definite incentive to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, too. And having easy access to parks, hills and open countryside can be a boon when you’re trying to shed some pounds. City slickers may have to look for a gym to get the same results you can achieve by just stepping out of your back door.
Of course, for many of us, losing weight is not a solo experience and the support and community feeling of a weight loss class provide a great incentive to follow a weight loss program. Cities are more likely to offer a choice of weight loss classes while country folk may have to travel further to find a class.
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