Study finds that individuals with obesity benefit most from exercising between 6 p.m. and midnight

New research has shed light on the best time of day for people with obesity to exercise, with findings suggesting that working out in the evening may have significant health benefits. A study of nearly 30,000 adults with obesity revealed that those who engaged in physical activity between 6 p.m. and midnight had the lowest risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease, and microvascular disease.

The research, conducted by Angelo Sabag of the University of Sydney in Australia and published in the medical journal Diabetes Care, emphasized the importance of regular physical activity in offsetting health risks associated with obesity. While the study focused on individuals with obesity, previous research has also explored the optimal timing for exercise in the general population.

According to certified personal trainer Andrew White, finding a routine that is enjoyable, sustainable, and fits into one’s lifestyle is key to managing obesity and improving overall health. The latest study tracked participants’ aerobic moderate-to-vigorous physical activity using activity trackers, with a focus on continuous activity in bouts of three minutes or more.

Over the eight-year follow-up period, researchers recorded 1,425 deaths, 3,980 cardiovascular events, and 2,162 microvascular dysfunction events among the participants. The study highlighted the importance of engaging in physical activity, regardless of the time of day, to stave off health risks associated with obesity.

While more research is needed to establish causal links, the findings of this study could potentially influence future preventative health care recommendations for individuals with obesity.