Weight Gain means lower gas mileage

Want to spend less at the pump? Lose some weight. That's the implication of a new study that says Americans are burning nearly 1 billion more gallons of gasoline each year than they did in 1960 because of their expanding waistline. Simply put, more weight in the car means lower gas mileage.

The same effect has been seen in airplanes. Research found that heavy fliers have contributed to higher fuel costs for airlines.

The obesity rate among U.S. adults has doubled from 1987 to 2003, from about 15% to more than 30%.

Eating less, driving less and choosing more active means of transportation would reduce gas consumption, and also help reverse rising obesity rates.

Source: Associated Press