Running to lose weight? Please don’t! Here’s why

Running is a great contributor to improving your cardiovascular health but not the direct solution to losing weight. Yes, you read that right. If head strength and conditioning coach Basu Shanker is to go by, running needs to be treated as a cardiovascular activity. “Start with a strong focus on your diet and order of consuming your food. Power it with weightlifting and enable this journey with running! That’s the way to go!” he said in a post on Instagram.

Embarking on a weight loss journey often leads individuals to consider running as a primary means of exercise. “While running undoubtedly offers numerous health benefits, the intricacies of weight loss extend beyond the track. To grasp why relying solely on running may not be the ultimate solution, it’s crucial to delve into the complexities of metabolism, caloric intake, and the intricate interplay between exercise and diet,” said fitness expert Garima Goyal.

Energy balance: At the heart of weight loss lies the principle of energy balance—the delicate equilibrium between calories consumed and calories expended. “Running contributes to this equation by burning calories, but the effectiveness of weight loss through running hinges on factors like intensity, duration, and frequency. Understanding the dynamics of energy balance is paramount for comprehending how running fits into the broader context of a weight loss strategy,” said Goyal.

Adaptation: The body is a remarkably adaptive system. As individuals become more conditioned to running, the initial calorie burn may decrease, necessitating adjustments in intensity or duration to maintain or enhance weight loss benefits. Additionally, the body may adapt by becoming more efficient at utilising energy during running, potentially slowing down weight loss over time. “Diversifying the exercise routine becomes imperative to counteract this adaptation and optimise results,” shared Goyal.

Appetite dynamics: The relationship between running and appetite is a critical factor that influences weight loss outcomes. While exercise can impact appetite, the response varies among individuals. Some may experience increased hunger after a run, leading to higher caloric intake if not managed appropriately. “Strategic post-run meal choices, coupled with an understanding of individual appetite dynamics, play a pivotal role in achieving and sustaining weight loss,” said Goyal.

Psychological impact: Sustainable weight loss is not merely a physical endeavour, it involves long-term behavioural changes. “An exclusive focus on running might overlook underlying dietary patterns and lifestyle choices. Adopting a holistic approach that encompasses mindful eating, stress management, and adequate sleep is fundamental for achieving lasting weight loss results,” said Goyal.

Individual variability: Acknowledging the diverse responses individuals have to exercise is paramount. “Age, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and pre-existing health conditions can significantly influence the outcome of a running-centric weight loss strategy,” Goyal mentioned.

In conclusion, while running is a valuable component of a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to weight loss in the long term, a comprehensive strategy that integrates running with a balanced diet, mindful eating habits, and other forms of exercise is essential.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Primal Patterns (@primalpatterns)

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.