People who walk to work are around 40 per cent less likely to have diabetes than those who travel by car, UK-led research has found.

Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the research analysed data taken from a survey of 20,000 people in the UK, to explore links between health and how people travel to work.

The study produced a variety of findings, linking weight, exercise and travel means with the prevalence of health issues.

It was found that 19 per cent of those who arrived at work by car, motorbike or taxi were obese, while of those that walked or cycled, only 15 and 12 per cent were overweight.

The research also revealed that workers who walked had a 17 per cent lower chance of having high blood pressure compared to those who drove.

"This study highlights that building physical activity into the daily routine by walking, cycling or using public transport to get to work is good for personal health,” said Anthony Laverty from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London.

Concluding their research, the experts suggested workers could cut their risk of heart attacks and other serious health problems by using their car less and walking or cycling to work instead.

A copy of the findings can be found here.