According to a researcher at the University of Illinois, automobiles may be to blame for the increase in obesity levels in America.

"People consume food, which is a form of energy, and then they expend it in their activities," said Sheldon H. Jacobson, a professor of computer science and the director of the simulation and optimization laboratory.

"But if you look over the last 60-plus years, the automobile has become our primary mode of
transportation - so much so, in fact, we have literally designed our way of life around it. It is that energy imbalance that ultimately may lead to obesity."

Jacobson said he conducted the study by looking at the "annual vehicle miles traveled per licensed driver as a surrogate measure for a person's total sedentary time."

Something tells us a lot more people will be walking to work next week.

More From Q92