“Weekend warriors” vs. regular exercisers
According to a groundbreaking study published in the journal Obesity, people who engage in physical activity one to two days a week (also known as “weekend warriors”) can achieve weight loss similar to those who exercise regularly. The study, titled “Weekend Warrior and Regular Vigorous Physical Activity and its Association with Abdominal Obesity and Generalized Adiposity in U.S. Adults,” investigated the relationship between physical activity patterns and objectively measured adipose tissue mass. This is the first study to investigate the relationship between
The study extracted data from more than 9,600 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2018. The results showed that both the “weekend warrior” group and the regularly active group had higher lower abdominal fat, waist circumference, total body fat mass, and body fat percentage. Mass index compared to inactive participants. Additionally, the study found that higher intensity and longer duration of physical activity were correlated with lower abdominal fat.
Weight loss with the “Weekend Warrior” pattern
The “Weekend Warrior” pattern, in which individuals condense their exercise into one or two days a week, has been proven to be effective in burning fat and achieving weight loss. The study recommends promoting a “weekend warrior” pattern for people who struggle to meet the frequency of physical activity recommended by current guidelines, especially those with sedentary lifestyles. ing.
Interestingly, the study found that the “weekend warriors” who worked out the hardest and for the longest hours had more fat in their lower abdomen. This means that the intensity and duration of physical activity play an important role in maximizing weight loss and health benefits.
Any activity is better than nothing
Although this study yielded promising results regarding the “weekend warrior” pattern, it does not undermine the importance of regular physical activity. In fact, experts emphasize that people should engage in physical activity in a way that fits their lifestyle, as any activity is better than none. This is especially important for those who cannot meet the frequency recommended by current guidelines.
The results of this study are of great importance in the current health climate, where obesity and sedentary lifestyles are prevalent. Encouraging all forms of physical activity, whether it’s regular exercise or focused exercise on one or two days a week, can lead to significant health benefits and improved body composition. there is.
However, the researchers also emphasized that this finding needs to be confirmed in a prospective longitudinal study. This will help us further understand the long-term effects and benefits of the “Weekend Warrior” pattern of physical activity.