The Benefits of Morning Workouts for Weight Loss: New Study Reveals

If you’ve ever wondered about the best time to get your sweat session in, a recent study might have the answer you’ve been looking for. According to research published in the journal ‘Obesity’, working out in the early morning, specifically between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., could significantly accelerate weight loss.

The study, which involved 5285 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2003 to 2006, examined the link between the timing of physical activity and its impact on weight management. The participants were divided into three groups based on their preferred workout times – morning, midday, and evening. The researchers then analysed their physical activity levels and dietary habits.

Surprisingly, the study found that individuals who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in the morning had lower body mass index and waist circumference compared to those who worked out at other times of the day. The morning exercisers also reported following a healthier diet and consuming fewer calories on a daily basis. Despite spending more time in sedentary behaviour, the morning group continued to experience reductions in body weight and waist circumference.

Tongyu Ma, PhD, an assistant professor at Franklin Pierce University and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, who led the study, emphasised the importance of considering the timing of physical activity when aiming for weight loss. He noted that their research provided valuable insights into the diurnal pattern of physical activity and its influence on health outcomes.

The study also addressed a crucial question that previous research had left unanswered – whether the timing of physical activity affects its association with obesity. In addition to meeting the recommended 150 minutes per week of MVPA, the researchers found that working out in the morning had unique benefits for weight loss.

Rebecca Krukowski, PhD, a clinical psychologist specialising in behavioural management, supported the findings of the study, suggesting that scheduling morning workouts before the distractions of the day could increase adherence to exercise routines. However, she also pointed out that the study was limited in its scope and did not account for potential differences between individuals who preferred morning workouts and those who did not.

It’s important to consider that the participants who consistently exercised in the morning may have had certain lifestyle advantages, such as more predictable schedules and better sleep quality, which could have contributed to their weight loss success. Factors such as biological differences between ‘morning larks’ and ‘night owls’ were also not addressed in the study.

While the results of the study are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the impact of workout timing on weight loss. Nevertheless, for those looking to shed some extra pounds, setting that early morning alarm for a workout might just be the key to achieving your weight loss goals.