Brisk Walking is Best Exercise for Keeping Weight Down Says LSE Research
The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK welcomes research by the London School of Economics analysing diferent types of physical activity for weight management, the report concludes:
‘People are more likely to have a lower weight if they regularly engage in high impact walking compared to doing another vigorous activity like going to the gym, according to new LSE research. The results are particularly pronounced in women, people over 50, and those on low incomes.’
Dr Grace Lordan, a specialist in health economics who led the research, examined reported physical activity levels from the annual Health Survey for England (HSE) from 1999 to 2012. In particular, she focused on activities which increased heart rate and caused perspiring.
Dr Roderick Jaques, President of the Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine comments: “Physical activity is a key tool in the treatment of obesity and the conditions associated with it. Exercising on a regular basis can not only help manage weight but will reduce the risk of many common diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Studies like this are valuable in identifying the types of activities that would be most effective for the majority of people and contribute towards the argument for the use of regular physical activity in managing weight. Walking is free and available to the majority of people and it is a great starting point.
“All four home nation’s CMOs have recently released a physical activity infographic outlining what you should do to increase physical activity levels and walking is featured as a key part of this. Whether you choose to go to the gym or take a brisk walk, the message is clear, regular physical activity will improve quality of life.”
The LSE is calling for a campaign to promote walking as a potentially effective way to tackle obesity.
