Forums > Free For All

As Paul Kedrosky points out in his blog entry, research shows that increasing gas prices is good for the health of a nation. Who woulda thought?

"$1 in real gasoline prices would reduce obesity in the U.S. by 15% after five years, and that 13% of the rise in obesity between 1979 and 2004 can be attributed to falling real gas prices during this period. I also provide evidence that the effect occurs both by increasing exercise and by lowering the frequency with which people eat at restaurants."

Higher gas prices won't necessarily lower obesity. People are pretty satisfied being lazy and higher gas prices will faster lead to smaller cars than anyone actually walking anywhere. Cars like the Ford Fiesta and honda insight will be the biggest winners from higher gas prices and not weight watchers.