Smart People are Healthier

telegraph.co.uk

New research finds an association between lower body weight and participation in cultural and intellectual activities, including reading.

~Although time spent reading and time spent watching TV both expend few calories, one is associated with lower weight, and the other with higher weight.

~More highly educated people tend to both read more and weigh less. Perhaps knowledge gained from schooling gives insight into the importance of proper weight for good health.

~the association between BMI and reading and related activity can still be found even after controlling for education and other measures of socioeconomic status.

~But this data suggests you have a better chance of keeping off excess pounds if you indulge in leisure-time interests that have intellectual or emotional weight.