The Best Time to Exercise for Those Fighting Obesity, Study Finds

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

In a study conducted by the University of Sydney, Australia, evidence suggests that people living with obesity could reap the most health benefits from engaging in physical activity during the evening hours. This research, explored the habits of 30,000 participants over a span of nearly 8 years, highlights the potential for specific timing of exercise to influence health outcomes positively.

The study utilized data from wearable devices to monitor when participants were most active throughout the day, categorizing their physical activities into morning, afternoon, and evening periods. Remarkably, it was found that those who concentrated their aerobic activities—those that increase heart rate and breathing—from 6 PM to midnight experienced the lowest risk of premature death and cardiovascular disease-related fatalities.

Unlike previous studies, this research placed a significant emphasis on the timing and frequency of moderate to vigorous physical activity in the evening, suggesting that these factors may be more critical than the total volume of daily exercise. The study's methodology involved tracking continuous aerobic MVPA in bouts lasting three minutes or longer, acknowledging the strong link between such sustained activity, improved glucose control, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular issues.

The implications of this study are particularly relevant to Australia, where approximately two-thirds of the population is grappling with excess weight or obesity, increasing their risk of major cardiovascular problems and premature death. Dr. Angelo Sabag, a lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Sydney and one of the study's leads, emphasized the importance of integrating exercise into daily routines, especially at times that may offer the most significant health advantages.

This large-scale study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, stands out due to its use of objective physical activity measures and its focus on hard outcomes such as premature death. While the findings are observational and do not definitively prove causation, they provide strong support for the hypothesis that physical activity in the evening could help mitigate glucose intolerance and its associated complications in individuals with diabetes or obesity. This research, leveraging data from the UK Biobank, underscores the evolving understanding of how exercise timing can play a crucial role in managing obesity and Type 2 diabetes, potentially shaping future healthcare recommendations.

As the field of wearable technology advances, it opens new avenues for researchers and healthcare professionals to identify and advocate for the most beneficial physical activity patterns.

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