The current global obesity pandemic is partially the result of a lack of physical activity combined with sedentary behavior (prolonged sitting) during the day.
Such behavior is linked to an increased risk of developing metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes (T2D).
In a study from Leiden University, scientists found that afternoon or evening physical activity is linked to reduced insulin resistance (and thus better blood sugar control) when compared with an even distribution of physical activity throughout the day.
Morning physical activity offered no advantages.
Earlier research has found that short breaks in sedentary behavior are associated with improved metabolic health.
Previous studies have found that exercise is linked to reduced liver fat and improved insulin sensitivity.
The team hypothesized that taking breaks from sedentary behavior may reduce liver fat, resulting in decreased insulin resistance and ultimately preventing T2D.
In the study, the team used data from adults aged between 45 and 65 years and with a self-reported body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or higher.
Participants underwent a physical examination during which blood samples were taken to measure fasting and postprandial (after meal) blood glucose and insulin levels.
A further random subsample of 955 participants was given a combined accelerometer and heart rate monitor to wear for four consecutive days and nights to monitor movement and activity.
The day was divided into three blocks: morning (06:00-12:00); afternoon (12:00-18:00); and evening (18:00-24:00).
The researchers observed that higher total physical activity energy expenditure was associated with both reduced liver fat content and reduced insulin resistance.
Performing MVPA in the afternoon or evening was linked to reduced insulin resistance, by 18% and 25% respectively.
There was no big difference in insulin resistance between morning activity and activity spread evenly over the day.
The team says earlier studies have shown that metabolic responses to high-intensity exercise differed based on the time of day the exercise was performed.
In addition, muscular strength as well as the metabolic function of skeletal muscle cells show a peak in the late afternoon, suggesting that being most active during this period may result in a more pronounced metabolic response than activity earlier in the day.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies that eating more eggs linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes, and how to eat to reduce heart disease death risk if you have diabetes.
For more information about nutrition, please see recent studies about high-protein diet linked to higher risk of type 2 diabetes, and results showing Mediterranean diet could help reduce the diabetes risk by 30%.
The study was conducted by Dr. Jeroen van der Velde et al and published in Diabetologia.
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