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Exercising will help those who want to lose weight. But is there a time of day to prioritize to accelerate this loss? Yes, according to American and Hong Kong scientists who give us the best niche!
Do you have a few pounds to lose and want to start exercising? Choose the time of day when you do it carefully, because it would be important!
Should you exercise in the morning, at lunchtime or in the evening?
This study, carried out by American and Hong Kong researchers, brought together a cohort of 5,285 people who exercised regularly. The individuals were divided into three groups based on the time of day chosen to carry out their sporting activity: morning, afternoon or evening.
The participants self-reported certain data, such as their diet, for example, but they were monitored on a sporting level using an accelerometer, a device worn on the hip which makes it possible to monitor an individual’s sporting activity.
Training between 7 and 9 hours would be more effective for losing weight
Results: Researchers found that people who exercised in the morning – between 7 and 9 a.m. – had a lower average BMI (body mass index) (27.4) compared to those after -noon (28.4) and evening (28.2).
Waist circumference showed a similar association: the morning group had an average height of 95.9 cm compared to 97.9 cm for the afternoon group and 97.3 cm for the evening group.
A better BMI even with less sporting commitment
Another significant fact noted by the researchers: morning sports enthusiasts were less active than the other groups but always maintained a better waistline and a better BMI than the other groups.
Furthermore, the more this morning group exercised, the more the drop in BMI was confirmed to a greater extent, compared to the other groups. “Exercising at the right time of day could be important for maintaining a healthy metabolism and body weight.” note the researchers.
However, they also specify that their conclusions, being based on an observational study, cannot provide a rational explanation for these results. “There is evidence that choosing the time of day to exercise is important. However, further studies are needed to explain the importance of circadian oscillations in weight and weight loss.” they conclude.
However, these results confirm those of another study dating from February 2023 which also highlighted that physical activities practiced in the morning allowed for better fat burning.
The 1001 benefits of sport
Morning or evening, the most important thing is to exercise whenever possible to stay in shape. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, people aged 18 to 64 should devote:
- At least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity endurance activity;
- Uu practice at least 75 to 150 minutes of sustained intensity endurance activity;
- And 2 sessions per week or more of muscle-strengthening activities of moderate or greater intensity.
Slide: 36 sports to lose weight: how to burn calories