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That post-work traffic jam could be more damaging than you realize. New research has found a connection between gridlock and unhealthy eating, affecting both adults and children.
As workdays grow longer, traffic worsens, and fast food chains continue to expand, this unexpected link highlights an emerging health issue. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover how traffic is influencing our food choices and overall well-being.
The study found that for every 30-second increase in traffic delay per mile (1.6 kilometers), fast food visits rose by 1%.
It's no surprise that the lure of a tasty burger on the way home becomes almost irresistible.
While the percentage may seem small, this adds up to approximately 1.2 million more fast food meals in LA alone.
For families, traffic delays often mean opting for quick meals on the go, which can lead to unhealthy habits for children as well.
The researchers advocate for better public transportation options, which could help reduce traffic congestion and, in turn, curb the rise in fast food consumption.
Now, new research confirms that heavy traffic directly leads to more fast food cravings, especially among tired, hungry commuters.
A University of Illinois study used data from Los Angeles highways between 2017 and 2019, tracking traffic flow alongside GPS data from cell phone visits to fast food chains.
This makes it even more concerning that traffic jams might be pushing hungry commuters away from healthier home-cooked meals and toward fast food.
Delays during evening rush hours had the biggest impact on fast food visits, highlighting how time constraints influence meal choices.
The authors still hope this research will strengthen the case for prioritizing traffic solutions in urban planning, underscoring the connection between congestion and public health.
"Policies aimed at loosening time constraints would help battle unhealthy eating habits," Taylor says. Ultimately, easing traffic congestion is a win-win. It reduces pollution, benefiting the planet, and it empowers people to make healthier food choices, combating the growing fast food epidemic.
Sources: (Fast Company)
See also: The most realistic healthy swaps for your junk food cravings
LA's notorious traffic was the perfect case study for this research, but the authors point out that these findings are relevant to other cities with similar congestion problems.
Becca Taylor, assistant professor at the University of Illinois and lead author of the study, highlighted that "time scarcity is one of the strongest factors driving fast food consumption." She explains, "It’s not just about what you eat, but when you eat and how much time you have to make healthier choices."
After a long, exhausting workday and a rumbling stomach, the last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in traffic.
The exhaustion and stress from being stuck in traffic start to pile up, making the idea of cooking dinner feel like an overwhelming task.
Fast food's connection to serious health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes is well established, making these eating habits an increasingly alarming trend.
In fact, some researchers even suggest that processed and fast foods may cause more premature deaths than cigarettes.
The effects of processed foods go beyond physical health, with studies also linking poor diets to mental health issues like depression.
For optimal health, home-cooked meals are the clear winner. They provide a better mix of nutrients through fruits and vegetables and minimize exposure to chemicals, including "forever chemicals."
Studies show that people often eat larger portions when dining out, which can lead to overeating and unhealthy weight gain.
Major cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. are likely seeing the same patterns of traffic-related fast food consumption.
Add in the stress of being stuck in traffic, and many commuters are left with no choice but to grab the quickest meal—often fast food.
The study suggests that a lack of time is a major driver behind unhealthy eating habits, with traffic adding unnecessary pressure to busy lives.
The study emphasizes how longer workdays and long commutes leave Americans with little time to cook healthy meals at home.
Cities like New York have implemented congestion pricing, which charges drivers to enter certain areas during peak hours to help reduce traffic and pollution. However, this program may soon come to an end, as the Trump administration has ordered New York City end its congestion pricing plan by March 21.
The study suggests that tackling road gridlock could do more than improve traffic—it could also boost public health by helping to reduce fast food consumption.
According to the researchers, giving people more time could help cut down on time spent in traffic—and, as a result, reduce unhealthy eating habits.
Fast food might save time and money in the short term, but regular fast food consumption can lead to hefty long-term costs in health and medical bills.
Taylor and her colleagues suggest that offering more flexibility, such as allowing people to work from home or reducing office days, could help alleviate time pressures.
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That post-work traffic jam could be more damaging than you realize. New research has found a connection between gridlock and unhealthy eating, affecting both adults and children.
As workdays grow longer, traffic worsens, and fast food chains continue to expand, this unexpected link highlights an emerging health issue. Intrigued? Keep reading to discover how traffic is influencing our food choices and overall well-being.