Weight loss tips: Overweight men were found to burn more fat when the exercised before having breakfast
Highlights
- The study was conducted in 6 weeks on overweight men
- Exercising before breakfast helped overweight men burn more fat
- However, the scope of the study is limited to overweight men only
If you have ever wondered about what is the right time to exercise for weight loss, then you have landed at the right place. A new study found that overweight men can burn more fat if they exercised before having breakfast as compared to exercising after having breakfast. Exercising before breakfast was also found to be linked with improved insulin receptivity, blood sugar regulation and reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. Published in Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, the study found that for overweight men, exercising before breakfast can double your ability to burn fat.
Weight loss tips: Exercise before breakfast for more fat loss, here's why
As part of the study, researchers from the University of Bath and the University of Birmingham divided men into three groups- those who exercised before breakfast, those who exercised after breakfast and those who made no changes in their daily routine.
Exercising before breakfast was found to improve fat loss in overweight men
Photo Credit: iStock
Conducted over a period of 6 weeks, the study found that men who exercised before breakfast burned twice the amount of fat as compared to men who exercised after breakfast. Men who burned more fat were also found to have stored fewer carbs to burn for energy. This made their bodies resort to fat instead of carbs as fuel for energy during exercise. However, there was no link found between timing of exercise and amount of weight loss.
Also read: Not Losing Weight Despite Working Out? 5 Exercise Mistakes You Must Watch Out For
Other benefits of exercising before breakfast
As mentioned earlier, researchers also found that exercising before breakfast had a better response to insulin and blood sugar regulation. Thus, exercising at this time of the day could be beneficial for your heart health and diabetes control.
It has to be noted that scope of the study remains to be limited as it is not clear whether the same results would imply to any group other than overweight men. More research is definitely needed to testify the benefits of exercising before having breakfast.
Exercising before breakfast can help in regulating blood sugar
Photo Credit: iStock
Also read: These Exercises Are The Best To Lose Weight Like A Pro And Keep It Off For Good
Exercising is important, whether you do it before or after breakfast
We are simply trying to infer here that you must exercise, no matter what time of the day you choose to exercise. Everybody has different schedules and eating patterns, and on the basis of that, you should devote at least 150 minutes in a week (for moderate intensity exercise) or 90 minutes in a week (for high intensity exercise). Following are other tips you should follow:
1. Try to workout for minimum 4 days a week and aim towards exercising for 5 days in a week since the very beginning.
2. Do not do copycat workouts and train under a qualified fitness expert. Every individual responds differently to different exercise regimes and you will not get the same results as someone else is getting doing the same workout. Train under a qualified fitness expert.
3. Make sure you include strength training in your fitness routine. While cardio exercises will help you lose weight, strength training exercises will help in improving insulin sensitivity, building muscles and improving your strength and stamina.
Strength training is as important as cardio exercises for weight loss and good health
Photo Credit: iStock
Also read: Strength Training: 6 Reasons Why It Is As Important As Cardio For Weight Loss, High Blood Pressure And Much More
4. Get proper nutrition, sleep well and take less stress. How you respond to exercise is hugely dependent on these three very important factors.
5. Take sufficient rest. After having accomplished the goal of exercising for 5 days in a week, make sure you have two good rest days. Rest and recovery are as important as regular exercise. It helps your body heal and reduces risk of cramps and injuries.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.