Digging in for Weight Loss

If you’re looking for a way to get in shape this spring and summer, here’s a power-packed activity that may surprise you – try community gardening! Overall, gardeners were less likely to be overweight or obese.

That’s right, research shows people who join in the fun of community gardening have much lower body mass index and are the recipients of social, physical and nutritional benefits.

Researchers measured the BMI of community gardeners in Salt Lake City, Utah, gauging their odds of being overweight or obese. They then compared those results with similar data from three control groups.

Bottom line, women community gardeners had an average BMI that was nearly two points lower than their non-gardening neighbors That translates into an 11-pound weight difference for a woman 5 feet 5 inches tall. For men, the BMI was nearly two and a half points lower compared to non-gardeners a difference of 16 pounds for a guy 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Community gardens are a valuable tool that can be used to promote healthier living.