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Working out as an older adult: Study finds ‘only one workout’ that sheds fat without losing muscle
The Times of India • • health
Key Points:
- A recent study from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) uniquely helps older adults reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass, a key factor in healthy aging.
- Muscle loss, or sarcopenia, combined with increased body fat leads to sarcopenic obesity, which raises risks for diabetes, heart disease, disability, and mobility issues in older adults.
- The study followed over 120 adults aged 65 to 85 for six months, comparing HIIT to moderate-intensity exercise, revealing that only HIIT effectively improved body composition by reducing fat and maintaining muscle.
- Maintaining muscle mass is crucial for independence, balance, and overall health in aging populations, and HIIT offers a promising approach, though it may not be suitable for everyone without medical guidance.
- While moderate exercise still provides health benefits, this research highlights the potential of supervised higher-intensity workouts to better support muscle preservation and fat loss in older adults.
