peas at a party

It’s true.  Gasoline prices broke through the $3.00 per gallon barrier this week.  On the other hand, that’s good for you.

What’s that I’m hearing?  Grumbling?  Doubt?

According to Charles Courtmanche, a doctoral student in Washington University’s Economics Department, since we walk more and eat out less when gasoline prices rise, every $1 increase in the price of gasoline equals a 15% reduction in the level of U.S. obesity.

In fact, according to Courtmanche, about 13% of the rise in obesity between 1979 and 2004 can be attributed to falling gasoline prices in those years.  Courtmanche (who is just as cute as a bug and younger than my favorite pair of jeans) goes on to suggest that a bigger federal tax on gasoline might be a way of addressing the U.S. ”obesity epidemic.”  I’m guessing he personally stays so slim from running.  As in, from the crowd gathered at the filling station.

Soooo, next time you’re filling up at the pump and those little numbers are whirling by so fast it makes your head spin, just remember how much healthier we all are.

 Right.