It’s a common question for anyone interested in a healthier lifestyle: which walk burns more body fat, the one in the morning or the one in the evening? Everyone understands the value of walking for good health. It improves blood sugar levels, supports heart health, and boosts metabolism. During this process, the body uses oxygen to convert fat and carbohydrates into energy.
But there’s a key difference between the two times. A morning walk is typically done on an empty stomach, whereas, by evening, your body has been fueled by meals like lunch.
Research suggests that exercising before breakfast (in a fasted state) increases the rate of fat burning over a 24-hour period. This is because insulin levels are low at this time, which helps the body tap into its fat reserves for energy instead of relying on carbohydrates. In contrast, walking after a meal primarily burns the glucose (carbohydrates) from that recent meal.
While both morning and evening walks are beneficial for overall health, walking on an empty stomach is considered more effective specifically for burning fat.
However, this approach comes with a significant caution. Walking on an empty stomach can have dangerous side effects for some. Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Individuals with diabetes or heart conditions, in particular, must be extremely careful and should always follow their doctor’s advice.
Note: This article is published for readers’ information. For all health-related matters, please follow the advice of your physician.
