A recent investigation revealed that individuals who maintain a quicker walking speed than their counterparts might be less likely to develop metabolic issues such as diabetes and cardiovascular ailments.
Researchers from Doshisha University in Japan examined data from nearly 25,000 participants who were either obese, had a high waist circumference, or both, and discovered that those who considered themselves "faster walkers" exhibited significantly lower risks of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, utilised a straightforward self-reported measure of walking speed, where participants were asked if their walking pace was quicker than that of others in their age and sex group.
The findings indicated that faster walkers experienced a 30% decreased risk of developing diabetes, alongside significant reductions in hypertension and dyslipidemia risks.
The researchers attributed these results to the link between walking speed and overall health. Individuals who walked faster typically had improved cardiorespiratory fitness, which correlates with lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are key contributors to metabolic diseases.
Kojiro Ishii, the lead researcher of the study, pointed out that encouraging a quicker walking pace could be a beneficial personal behaviour to help prevent metabolic diseases, especially among those with obesity.
The researchers also noted the ease and accessibility of the self-reported walking speed measure, making it well-suited for application in clinical and public health environments.
Although the study did not establish causative relationships, the results are in line with previous research on walking pace and health outcomes.
The researchers concluded that assessing subjective walking speed could aid in identifying individuals at heightened risk for metabolic disorders tied to obesity and that incorporating this straightforward question into regular health assessments could yield life-saving information.
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