However, a fascinating recent study appears to have addressed this issue.
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A study conducted in Spain revealed that individuals who engaged in physical activities such as jogging or biking at 6 PM experienced reduced blood glucose levels compared to those who exercised earlier in the day.
The scientists contended that this indicated late exercisers exhibited greater activity metabolism and found it easier to withstand feelings of hunger.
This indicated that they would both expend more calories throughout the day and take in lesser energy, they proposed.
Research indicates that typically, muscle cells tend to lose their ability to take up blood glucose during the evening hours due to a decrease in insulin levels at that time.
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However, working out in the evening increases insulin levels, which makes it simpler for cells to take up glucose from the blood and use it as fuel.
In this study, the researchers monitored 186 middle-aged Spaniards, primarily those who were obese, over a period of two weeks.
Every participant used an accelerometer for monitoring physical activity and a continuous blood glucose monitor to keep track of their blood sugar levels.
The exercise periods were divided into three segments: morning from 6 am to 12 pm, afternoon from 12 pm to 6 pm, or evening from 6 pm to 12 am.
The researchers subsequently compared blood glucose levels between inactive participants, who abstained from exercising for one day, and those who engaged in physical activity at various times.
Dr. Antonio Clavero-Jimenez, a sports scientist at the University of Granada, Spain , among others, noted in the study: 'Engaging in exercise during the evening seems to positively impact blood glucose levels in inactive adults who are obese.'
The research was conducted solely among individuals who were obese or overweight, suggesting that the findings may not be applicable to people with a healthy weight.
However, it aligns with previous research indicating that working out later in the day is most effective for shedding pounds.
A research conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia, revealed that obese individuals engaging in physical activity after 6 pm exhibited roughly a 36 percent decreased likelihood of developing heart disease.
Of those who exercised prior to this period, the advantage was only half as significant—or equating to an 17 percent reduced likelihood—of developing the condition.
A study published in 2022 from Germany, which involved 5,000 individuals who were either overweight or obese, discovered that participants exercising in the evenings showed a decrease of up to 25 percent in their insulin resistance levels.
Several weight-loss investigations have indicated that exercising in the morning yields the most effective outcomes for shedding pounds.
These findings are derived from data indicating that individuals who work out during this period generally weigh less compared to those who exercise in the evening.
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However, these elements do not consider additional aspects like individuals who are more health-conscious might be prone to beginning their day with exercise.
Doctors state that any level of physical activity at any point during the day can lead to weight loss in individuals who are obese, provided they do not consume more calories than their body requires.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that individuals engage in physical activity for a minimum of 150 minutes each week.
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