Exercise timing influences blood sugar control, finds study
What's the story
New research conducted at the University of Bath, England, reveals an intriguing connection between exercise timing and blood sugar control. It appears that the timing of our physical activity can significantly influence how well we manage our blood sugar levels. This finding highlights the importance of considering not just what exercises we do but also when we do them for optimal health benefits.
Findings
Pre-breakfast exercise burned double the fat compared to post-breakfast
The findings from this six-week study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reveal that those who exercise before breakfast burn twice as much fat compared to those who exercise after breakfast. The study involved thirty overweight or obese men divided into two groups: one with breakfast before/after exercise, and the other making no lifestyle changes.
Energy usage
How exercising before eating breakfast affects energy usage
The study further revealed that when people exercise before eating breakfast, their bodies can use more fat for energy. This is because their insulin levels are lower after fasting overnight. Using more fat for energy can also help the body respond better to insulin. This response to insulin keeps blood sugar levels in check and potentially reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Muscles
Morning exercise boosts muscle response to insulin
During the six-week trial, the researchers also discovered that the group exercising pre-breakfast had more responsive muscles to insulin compared to the group exercising post-breakfast. Both groups had the same workout sessions and ate similar amounts of food. However, the muscles of those who exercised before breakfast showed more significant increases in certain proteins that help move glucose from the bloodstream into the muscles.
Timing
Timing meals with exercise can profoundly impact overall health
In a statement, Professor Javier Gonzalez from the University of Bath's Department for Health said that a small change in our eating and exercise timing can have a huge impact on our health. "Our results suggest that changing the timing of when you eat in relation to when you exercise can bring about profound and positive changes to your overall health," he said.