A recent study has found that individuals who walk at a faster pace than their peers may be at a lower risk of developing metabolic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Researchers from Japan's Doshisha University analysed data from nearly 25,000 participants with obesity, high waist circumference, or both, and found that those who identified as "faster walkers" had significantly lower risks of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, used a simple self-reported measure of walking speed, asking participants if their walking pace was faster than that of their age and sex. The results showed that faster walkers had a 30% lower risk of diabetes and notable reductions in risks of hypertension and dyslipidemia.
According to the researchers, the findings can be attributed to the relationship between walking speed and overall health. Faster walkers tend to have better cardiorespiratory fitness, which is linked to lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress, key drivers of metabolic diseases.
The study's lead researcher, Kojiro Ishii, emphasised that promoting a faster walking pace could be a helpful individual behavior to prevent metabolic diseases, particularly in individuals with obesity. The researchers also highlighted the simplicity and accessibility of the self-reported walking speed measure, making it ideal for use in clinical and public health settings.
While the study did not establish cause-and-effect links, the findings are consistent with previous studies on walking pace and health outcomes. The researchers concluded that measuring subjective walking speed could help identify individuals at high risk of metabolic disorders related to obesity, and that incorporating this simple question into routine health examinations could provide life-saving insights.