Do you think you need to do a grueling workout to improve your health? Scientists from Finland have proven that even small changes can make a big difference. Just half an hour spent on your feet instead of sitting in a chair can significantly improve your body's ability to burn fat.
Researchers from the University of Turku conducted an experiment, the results of which were published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. They studied how reducing sitting time affects so-called metabolic flexibility.
Imagine your body as a modern hybrid car. It can use two types of fuel: fast carbohydrates (like gasoline for a quick start) and stored fat (like an electric battery for a long, smooth ride). Metabolic flexibility is the ability to easily switch between these two energy sources. When we sit for hours, the body seems to “forget” about its battery and runs mostly on “gasoline.”
The study involved 64 sedentary adults at risk for diabetes and heart disease. Over a six-month period, one group replaced 30 to 60 minutes of sitting with light activity, such as walking during lunch or talking on the phone while standing.
The results are impressive: these people's metabolic flexibility has significantly improved. Their bodies have “learned” to use fat effectively as an energy source during light exercise.
However, there is an important caveat: While fat burning improved for many, a key measure for diabetes prevention—insulin sensitivity—showed significant improvement only in participants who already had initial problems with blood sugar levels (a condition known as prediabetes).
The bottom line? Even a small reduction in the amount of time you spend sitting is an affordable step toward health. It helps everyone improve their energy metabolism, and for those at risk, it can be a real tool in the fight against type 2 diabetes and heart disease. So the next time the phone rings, try standing up to answer the call—your body will thank you.
Джерело: ukr.media
