(Web Desk) - Running is not an effective way to lose weight, say the authors of a study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland; which is quite the opposite of popular fitness belief.
However, the study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living showed that continued running over a person’s lifetime can prevent weight gain. Old sprinters and endurance athletes had less fat mass than younger people, who were more focused on strength training.
The research found that those who engaged more in resistance training throughout their lives were able to maintain muscle mass more than those who participated in sprint and long-distance running.
The older strength trainers additionally had a similar amount of muscle mass as their younger counterparts.
According to Kelsey Costa, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Dietitian Insights, although running is great for overall health, it impacts weight loss less than people might expect, as stated by Healthline.
Costa believes this is because of the body’s adaptive mechanisms.
According to the website, Costa explains that the hypothalamus, which regulates metabolism, sets an energy expenditure target.
She adds, “This physiological safeguard is an evolutionary response designed to avert starvation, a testament to the complexity of weight management and the body’s instinct to maintain homeostasis.”
Preventing weight gain is the best way to maintain a healthy body composition. However, there are effective strategies for losing fat while increasing lean mass.
As stated by Healthline, Ari Jonisch, MD — who is the President of Main Street Radiology as well as Chief-of-Service at New York-Presbyterian/Queens, said that for effective weight loss, a combination of diet and exercise is best.
“Regular physical activity like running is important for overall health, but dietary choices are key for creating the necessary calorie deficit,” he stated. “A balanced diet focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates is recommended.”
Jonisch suggests that adding strength training to your routine can help build muscle mass, boost metabolism, and aid in weight loss.