How does the time of day you exercise affect weight management? A new study that has just come to light and will be published in the October issue of the scientific journal 'Obesity' ensures that it is better to exercise first thing in the morning if what you are looking for is to lose weight.
This is not the first time this issue has been discussed. The team of researchers that has carried out this analysis, which belongs to the Franklin Pierce University in the United States, has identified the time slot between seven and nine in the morning as the time of day in which there is a greater association between sports practice and a lower body mass index.
The study has been carried out using the accelerometer, an instrument more complex than the pedometer, which evaluates physical performance. The scientists analyzed 5,285 people and divided them into three groups based on the time of day they chose to exercise: morning, afternoon or evening.
Participants who reported doing sports in the morning (150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity) had a lower body mass index and waist circumference than those in the other groups. In general, they followed a healthier diet and a lower daily energy intake.
In addition, early risers were shown to be more sedentary during the day than people who play sports at other times, but despite this, they were still thinner than the subjects analyzed in the afternoon or evening groups. Also, people who are part of this group were, on average, 10 to 13 years older than the others, there was a higher proportion of women and stood out for being non-Hispanic white, with a university education or higher and for not using tobacco or alcohol.
Thus, those who wish to maintain their weight or lose weight, could opt for morning exercise, if possible fasting and for at least 30 minutes, since in this way the body will use fat reserves as a source of energy.