If you live or work near a busy highway, you probably have grown accustomed to the noise of cars passing by. But is it possible that this noise makes your waistline expand? It can and it does, according to a recent study published in the online edition of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. How is this possible?
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Stockholm Study
According to the investigation summary, 5,075 Swedish residents were followed over the course of four years to study the effect of environmental noise on health. Study data was collected in the form of questionnaires and physical exams.
It turns out that regular exposure to noise pollution (of at least 45 decibels) resulted in a 25 percent chance of having a larger waist circumference.
Is Noise Fat Free?
The cause of noise related weight gain is believed to be due to a chronic stress reaction. Chronic stress leads to increased levels of cortisol in the blood, which some researchers believe can lead to obesity since cortisol stimulates the appetite. When cortisol is produced in excess – like in response to the stress of hearing constant traffic noise – it stimulates us to habitually overeat.
Ways To Reduce Car Related Stress
Some situations are unavoidable, however, there may be some ways to avoid car related anxiety. For example, driving in heavy traffic can be stressful. Use public transportation if you can. Or get a ride from a ridesharing platform like Lyft or Uber. Not having to drive might go a long way in reducing your stress levels.
If you hear a lot of traffic noise at work, check with your employer to find out if it’s acceptable for you to use earplugs to block out some of the sound. You might also find out if you can do some work from home. Today, a large part of the workforce telecommutes. This eliminates the stress of driving and the stress of traffic noise. So avoid the noise if you can, and find a quiet place to work.
Car Repair Worry
Whenever we get news that our car needs to be repaired, it’s stressful as well. Many times we are worried about the cost. If you carry an extended auto warranty, your repairs are covered. This reduces anxiety. Will an auto warranty make you thinner? Probably not, but you will have peace of mind when you encounter an unexpected mechanical problem.
Also, keeping your car tuned up and maintained will reduce the chances of breakdown. A little bit of prevention might avoid a lot of future stress.
Know that your car repairs are covered with an extended auto warranty from CARCHEX. Get your free quote now.
