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A recent study from Japan suggests that walking at a faster pace could lower the risk of developing metabolic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The research, conducted by Doshisha University and published in Scientific Reports, evaluated nearly 25,000 participants with obesity, high waist circumference, or both.
Researchers assessed participants’ “subjective walking speed” through a simple question in a health questionnaire: “Is your walking speed faster than that of your age and sex?” The results revealed that individuals who identified as “faster walkers” had a 30% lower risk of diabetes, along with modest reductions in hypertension and abnormal blood lipid levels.
Why Faster Walking Matters
The researchers linked faster walking speeds to better cardiorespiratory fitness, which correlates with reduced levels of inflammation and oxidative stress—two significant drivers of metabolic diseases. Lead researcher Professor Kojiro Ishii explained that even among individuals with obesity, a faster walking pace was associated with lower odds of developing metabolic disorders.
“This study clarified that even individuals with obesity, who are at higher risk for metabolic diseases, have lower odds of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia if they report a fast subjective walking speed,” Ishii said.
A Simple and Accessible Metric
One notable aspect of the study was its use of subjective walking speed, a self-reported measure that is easy to incorporate into routine health assessments. Unlike objective walking speed, which requires equipment and space for precise measurement, subjective walking speed can be gauged quickly and without additional resources.
“This questionnaire is included in a standardized protocol by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan, allowing for quick and easy assessment without requiring specialized equipment,” Ishii noted.
The researchers emphasized the potential of promoting a faster walking pace as a simple behavioral change to mitigate the risk of metabolic diseases, especially in individuals with obesity.
Cautions and Future Implications
While the study highlighted significant associations, it did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between walking speed and reduced risk of metabolic conditions. However, the findings align with previous research linking walking pace to improved health outcomes.
The team also suggested that including subjective walking speed in routine health screenings could help identify individuals at high risk for metabolic disorders, enabling earlier interventions.
As the study underscores, a straightforward question like “Is your walking speed faster than your peers?” could offer critical insights into health risks. Encouraging faster walking might be a simple yet effective strategy to improve public health outcomes.
