A study of 1.7 million adults published in the journal Obesity found that meeting both aerobic and muscle‐strengthening exercise guidelines halved the risk of developing obesity, while those who did just aerobic or just strength training saw a 30 per cent reduction.
“Until now most population-level evidence on physical activity for reducing the risk of, or preventing obesity is based on aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling and jogging, but few studies have previously examined the associations between combining aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening activities with obesity," Lead author, Dr Jason Bennie said.
“From the data we analysed, it’s great news for people who find it hard to get out and exercise, but can potentially do some strength training at home."
These findings are reflect in Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines, which advise 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity physical activity each week. Plus, two bouts of strengthening activities per week.
