Those who go to the library and those who go to the gym seem to have something in common, writes Fred Pampel. They’re both generally thin. According to his study:

• In theory reading a book is just as low calorie an activity as watching TV or playing cards. Yet those who read books have a lower weight than those who don’t.
• This connection is strongest for those who live in Western Europe. The relationship is less strong in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world.
• This relationship is stronger for women than for men.
• Some explanations for this link include:
  • Educated people are more likely to read books, and are also likely to understand the importance of good health and the steps needed to maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Graduating from college may give one the confidence necessary to pursue life-long goals and ambitions.
  • Those who read books likely exist in a social circle that values low body weight. Social norms might be driving weight loss.

To read more including other explanations for the relationship, how the study was conducted, what the data wasn’t clear on, which countries the findings were clearest in, and how you can lose 10 pounds, click here.

Source: Pacific Standard

Via: Freakonomics