Morning may be ideal for weight loss exercise
Morning may be ideal for weight loss exercise
The Best Time to Exercise for Weight Management: Morning
Are you an early bird or a night owl when it comes to exercise? Well, according to a new study, the early bird may be onto something when it comes to weight management. Researchers have found that exercising between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. is the optimal time for reaping the health benefits of physical activity. Not only does exercising in the morning contribute to weight management, but it also has numerous other benefits, including better sleep, mental health, brain health, and physiological health.
The study, published in the journal Obesity, aimed to explore the diurnal pattern of physical activity and its impact on health outcomes. The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They focused on the time of day of human movement and its relationship with obesity prevention. The research included 5,285 participants, and the results were quite intriguing.
They found that there was a strong linear association between moderate to vigorous physical activity and weight management in the morning group. In contrast, the connection was weaker in the midday and evening groups. Participants in the morning group had a lower body mass index, waist circumference, and energy intake compared to those in the other groups. They also exhibited healthier dietary habits.
One interesting finding was that the morning group spent a significantly higher amount of time in sedentary behavior compared to the other groups. Despite this, they still achieved better weight management outcomes. This highlights the importance of exercising in the morning for weight management, but also emphasizes that exercise at any time throughout the day can still be beneficial.
However, experts caution that there isn’t enough data to make a permanent change in exercise recommendations. Exercise consistency is key, regardless of the time of day. Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon and medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California, suggests that early morning exercise seems to be better for weight loss, but there are numerous other factors that influence its effectiveness, such as age, weight, sleep, and work cycle.
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Furthermore, while exercise is important for weight management, diet plays a primary role in achieving weight loss. Simply changing to a healthier diet is the most important factor in trying to shed those extra pounds. Ryan Glatt, a senior brain health coach, emphasizes that weight management is influenced by various factors like age, gender, race, and location. Future studies should consider measuring these sociodemographic factors and how they relate to weight loss outcomes.
The bottom line is that exercising at any time of the day can have positive effects on weight management. While morning exercise may be ideal for some, it doesn’t mean it can’t work at other times as well. The most important thing is to find an exercise routine that suits your lifestyle and preferences. Kevin Huffman, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, suggests prioritizing regular physical activity and combining it with a balanced diet for optimal weight management.
Ultimately, the best time to exercise is whenever it fits into your daily schedule and allows you to maintain a long-term commitment to your health and fitness journey. So, whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, get moving and enjoy the benefits of exercise, no matter the time of day!
