Best Time to Exercise in a Day for Effective Weight Loss, Says Expert

Losing weight is the desire of many women nowadays. And to lose weight, exercise is essential. According to fitness experts, regular physical activity is the key to maintaining a healthy and flexible body. However, the amount of calories burned can vary depending on the type of exercise and the timing. A new study, recently published in the medical journal Obesity, has revealed that the best time to exercise for weight loss is between 7-9 a.m.

The lead researcher, associate professor Tongyu Ma from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, said: We found that early morning exercise can lead to more weight loss compared to exercising at other times of the day.

This conclusion was reached after Professor Ma and his colleagues analyzed data from over 5,200 individuals aged 20 and above, regarding their exercise habits, diet, and lifestyle over a 2-year period. The participants wore activity trackers to monitor their physical activity levels.

The researchers reported that exercising between 7-9 a.m. is the optimal time for weight loss.

Those who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise during this time have lower BMI and smaller waist circumference, regardless of their sedentary behavior throughout the day. Additionally, those who exercise in the morning also tend to have healthier eating habits and consume fewer calories.

Although not involved in the study, Cameron Mitchell, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, commented: These findings are very interesting from a scientific standpoint.

Dr. Ross Andersen, a professor of exercise physiology, medicine, and nutrition at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, also not part of the study, explained that individuals who exercise in the morning are more likely to engage in other healthy behaviors that contribute to weight loss and better overall health.

The reason behind why morning exercise is more effective for weight loss is the body’s molecular clock. In every cell of the body, particularly in muscles, there is a molecular clock that regulates certain functions, including those related to fat metabolism, at different times throughout the day. Exercise helps keep this clock ticking properly, which benefits the body’s metabolic processes.

Therefore, it is important to plan your daily activities accordingly to take advantage of this exercise window. In case you are unable to exercise during this time, don’t be disheartened, exercise at any time is better than not exercising at all. Furthermore, along with exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, especially a nutritious breakfast, is beneficial for your body.