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Walking off the pounds leads to decreased risk of metabolic syndrome
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Metabolic syndrome is a condition that is characterized by several risk factors that increase one's chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and/or diabetes. These risk factors are insulin resistance, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity. According to a national health survey, more than one out of five Americans has metabolic syndrome, and rates continue to increase. However, there is hope. New research published in the Journal of Exercise Physiology shows that weight loss in the abdominal area is directly related to decreased risk of metabolic syndrome.
Researchers studied a group of healthy, middle aged men (average age of 54) who were either sedentary or performed low levels of physical activity. These men were assigned to a 24-week long activity program that involved moderate intensity walking. Over the course of the program, researchers measured the physiological markers of the various risk factors for metabolic syndrome. They found that the walking intervention, not surprisingly, caused weight loss. Interestingly, the researchers also found a direct relationship between waist circumference and risk for metabolic syndrome. The researchers concluded that weight loss, specifically in the abdominal area, affects metabolism and insulin sensitivity, thereby decreasing the risk for metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.
Woolf-May, et al. (2011). The Effects of 24 Weeks of Moderate Intensity Walking upon Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Previously Sedentary/Low Active Men. Journal of Exercise Physiology, 14(4), 145-156.
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