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.