Morning workouts may be more effective for weight loss than exercising at other times of the day, according to a new study. Researchers found differences in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference among people who exercised at different times.
The study, published in the journal Obesity, highlighted that a morning exercise routine – specifically between 7:00 a.m. And 9:00 a.m. – was associated with more optimal fitness outcomes compared to exercising during the day or evening.
Study Data and Results
The research analyzed data from 5,285 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 2003 and 2006.
Participants were asked to wear activity trackers for ten or more hours a day for a period of four to seven days. Researchers then compared BMI and waist circumference based on the timing of exercise.
The results showed that the group who exercised in the morning had an average BMI of 27.5. Meanwhile, the group who exercised during the day or evening recorded a higher average BMI of 28.3. This finding remained consistent regardless of factors such as gender, ethnicity, education level, or smoking and alcohol consumption habits.
Exercise Timing and Lifestyle
Tongyu Ma, assistant professor of rehabilitation science at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the study’s lead author, noted that further research is needed to understand the direct relationship between exercise timing and weight loss.
Clinical psychologist Rebecca Krukowski suggested that morning exercise benefits from increased consistency. Morning schedules are generally less prone to disruptions compared to other times of the day. She explained that activities like emails, phone calls, or meetings often interfere with exercise routines if scheduled during the day or evening.
Impact on Daily Habits
These findings suggest that morning exercise may be a more effective choice for individuals aiming to manage their weight. Beyond the physical benefits, the timing of exercise can too influence a person’s consistency in maintaining a healthy routine. Maintaining a consistent exercise schedule is a key component of overall wellness.
However, researchers emphasized that other factors, such as diet and lifestyle, also play a crucial role in determining the overall results of a weight loss program.
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Sumber : Medical Daily
