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In a groundbreaking revelation challenging conventional wisdom, a recent study published in the journal Diabetes Care indicates that engaging in physical activity in the evening could yield more health benefits for individuals battling obesity than the traditionally advocated morning workouts.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, the study delved into the exercise habits of a massive cohort of 30,000 individuals over nearly eight years, leveraging data from wearable devices.
The findings revealed a significant correlation between evening exercise and reduced risks of premature death and cardiovascular disease among people with obesity. Specifically, those who engaged in moderate to vigorous aerobic activity, elevating heart rates, between 6 pm and midnight exhibited the lowest risk profiles.
Dr. Angelo Sabag, a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Sydney, underscored the significance of the study’s revelations in light of the prevailing obesity crisis. “Due to a number of complex societal factors, around two in three Australians have excess weight or obesity, putting them at a much greater risk of major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks and stroke, and premature death,” noted Dr. Sabag.
Unlike previous research that primarily focused on structured exercise routines, this study homed in on tracking continuous aerobic activity in intervals of at least three minutes. Surprisingly, the frequency of exercise sessions emerged as a more critical factor than the total duration of physical activity undertaken daily.
Moreover, the research team highlighted the potential of evening exercise to mitigate some of the challenges associated with diabetes and obesity, particularly glucose intolerance in the late evening, as indicated by previous studies.
However, Dr. Sabag emphasized that while exercise plays a pivotal role, it is not a panacea for the obesity crisis. Nevertheless, the study suggests that strategically planning physical activity during specific times of the day could help individuals offset certain health risks associated with obesity and related conditions.
As the discourse around optimal exercise timing continues to evolve, these findings pave the way for tailored approaches to physical activity interventions, offering hope for individuals striving to navigate the complexities of obesity and its associated health risks.
