Why Exercising In The Evenings Is Better For Obese People

Updated Feb 3, 2025 | 04:00 AM IST

SummaryGiven a single chance, keyboard warriors will jump at any opportunity to make fun of or shame people who are obese by saying they are just not trying hard enough, but is that true? There are many factors that affects a person’s weight loss journey, and the time of the day may be one of them.
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When it comes to the health of an obese person, suddenly everyone becomes a doctor, a health coach and motivational speaker. Most people believe all the person has to do is exercise more and eat less, but that is not the case at all. While you may not believe them, certain details like what you ate before exercising and the time of day you exercise at can affect a person’s health, it certainly plays a role! Fitness is never a linear process for anyone. While some people see a big difference in the first few weeks, other may not see a difference even months later. While these things may be discouraging, you have to remember that your health does not stop getting better every day, even if it is not apparent to the naked eye.

A new research published in Diabetes Care suggests that people with obesity, especially those who also have type 2 diabetes, might get the most health benefits if they exercise between 6 p.m. and midnight. The study found that people who were most active at night had a lower risk of heart problems and dying early compared to those who exercised at other times. This is interesting, but we need more research to be sure about it.

How The Time You Exercise Affects Your Health

Other studies have suggested that exercising at night is good for people with type 2 diabetes. This new research wanted to learn more about it and see how the time of your workout affects your health in the long run. Researchers looked at almost 30,000 people with obesity, some also had type 2 diabetes. People wore devices that tracked their activity for a week, so the researchers could see when they were most active. After watching these people for almost eight years, they found that the people who did most of their exercise at night had the lowest risk of health problems, like heart disease. While exercising at night seemed best, exercising at any time was better than not exercising at all.

Morning vs. Night Workouts: Which is Better?

The study suggests that nighttime workouts might be best for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. But experts say the most important thing is to exercise whenever you can. Nighttime might be better, but it's not always possible for everyone. People are busy with work, family, and other things. So, the main message is: any exercise is good, no matter when you do it. Don't let worrying about the "perfect time" stop you from being active. Adults should try to get about 2 and a half hours of moderate exercise each week, plus some strength training. If someone with obesity or type 2 diabetes can exercise between 6 p.m. and midnight, they might want to try it. But everyone's different. Exercise should be something you can do regularly, not something that's a struggle. If nights don't work, that's okay! Even short bits of activity during the day, like walking at lunch, are helpful. The best workout is the one you'll actually do.

Things to Keep in Mind Before You Start Working Out

If you're new to exercise or haven't been active for a while, start slowly and gradually do more. It's a good idea to work with a trainer or a friend who can help you and make sure you're being safe. This is especially important for people who are overweight, have obesity, or type 2 diabetes, because they might have other health problems that exercise can affect. Pay attention to your body and stop if you feel dizzy, have chest pain, or just don't feel good. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new workout plan, especially if you have any health problems. They can give you advice that's right for you.

Sources

Timing of Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity, Mortality, Cardiovascular Disease, and Microvascular Disease in Adults With Obesity

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Gym Supplements And Heart Health: When Fitness Trends Turn Dangerous

Updated May 24, 2026 | 09:00 AM IST

SummaryMost harm isn’t from basic supplements like protein—it’s from stimulants, hormone-like substances, and unregulated combinations. The risk becomes significant when users chase rapid physique gains without medical awareness.
Gym Supplements And Heart Health: When Fitness Trends Turn Dangerous

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There’s a real issue here—“gym supplements” aren’t automatically harmless, and unsupervised use can increase cardiovascular risk, especially when stacking multiple products.

Most harm isn’t from basic supplements like protein—it’s from stimulants, hormone-like substances, and unregulated combinations. The risk becomes significant when users chase rapid physique gains without medical awareness.

Where Does The Heart Risk Come From

1) Stimulant-heavy pre-workouts

  • Often contain high-dose caffeine, synephrine, yohimbine, or hidden stimulants
  • Risks: tachycardia, hypertension, atrial/ventricular arrhythmias, and even ischemia in susceptible people
  • Case reports link these to events resembling acute coronary syndrome and sudden cardiac death

2) Anabolic agents / “muscle boosters”

  • Includes anabolic steroids or “test boosters” adulterated with hormones
  • Risks: LV hypertrophy, fibrosis, dyslipidemia (↓HDL, ↑LDL), thrombosis → premature CAD
  • Strong association with cardiomyopathy

3) Protein excess + dehydration

High protein alone is usually safe in healthy individuals, but can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalance and arrhythmias when combined with:

  • poor hydration
  • intense workouts
  • creatine misuse

4) Fat burners / thermogenics

  • Often under-regulated blends
  • Risks: QT prolongation, coronary vasospasm, hypertension

5) Electrolyte imbalance

  • Overuse of diuretics, cutting agents, or poor hydration
  • Can precipitate arrhythmia even in structurally normal hearts

6) Contamination & mislabeling

  • Many supplements contain undeclared drugs (steroids, stimulants, SARMs)
  • This is one of the biggest hidden risks globally

Who Is At Risk

People at risk include those with:

  • Undiagnosed structural heart disease (e.g., hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)
  • Prior myocarditis
  • Family history of sudden death
  • Hypertension or CKD
  • Combining supplements with alcohol, dehydration, or extreme training

Red fags In Gym Users

  • Palpitations, skipped beats
  • Chest pain during/after workouts
  • Unexplained syncope or near-syncope
  • Excessive BP rise or headaches
  • Decline in exercise tolerance

These should not be dismissed as “normal gym effects.”

Practical Guidance

  • Avoid “proprietary blends”—know exact ingredients and doses
  • Limit caffeine intake (<300–400 mg/day total from all sources)
  • Prefer single-ingredient supplements over stacks
  • Screen high-risk individuals (ECG ± echo before intense training)
  • Encourage hydration and electrolyte balance
  • Absolutely avoid anabolic steroids outside of medical indication.

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Can Running Marathons Or Ultramarathons Raise Colon Cancer Risk? Study Sparks Concern

Updated May 22, 2026 | 10:15 AM IST

SummaryThe study found that the rate of advanced adenomas — noncancerous tumor which are likely to become cancerous — nearly tripled among the marathon runners, compared to the general population, at 4.5 -6 per cent.
Can Running Marathons Or Ultramarathons Raise Colon Cancer Risk? Study Sparks Concern

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Colon cancer, medically known as colorectal cancer, was historically typical for people aged 50 or older. However, in recent years, the cancer that forms in the tissues of the large intestine has been increasing in prevalence in young adults. As many as one in five colorectal cancer patients today falls into this younger age group.

Now, a study published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology shows that marathons, which are one of the most celebrated physical activities, may be increasing the risk of the disease.

What Did The Study Find?

The team at Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Virginia, US, initiated the study after observing multiple “ultramarathoners” present to their cancer center with advanced colorectal cancer.

To probe the link, they recruited 100 runners to undergo colonoscopies — the gold standard for screening and preventing colorectal cancer. The team then looked at runners ages 35 to 50, who had either completed at least five marathons or two ultramarathons (any runs of 50 kilometers or more).

Presenting the findings at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting, Dr. Timothy Cannon, an oncologist at the Institute, stated that

  • Nearly 50 per cent of the participants in the study had polyps, which can become cancerous,
  • 15 per cent had advanced adenomas (noncancerous tumor) which are likely to become cancerous.

Also read:Colorectal Cancer: UK Surgeon Warns Of 5 Silent Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Almost always, colon cancers start as small growths called polyps or precancerous lesions on the inner lining of the colon or rectum.

Moreover, the study found that the rate of advanced adenomas nearly tripled among the marathon runners, compared to the general population, at 4.5 -6 per cent.

How Does Ultra-running Spike Chance Of Developing Colon Cancer?

In general, running and other forms of exercise are known to reduce the risk of developing colon and other cancers. At the same time, exercise-induced gastrointestinal injury is also believed to be associated with reduced blood flow to the intestines during long-distance running.

Notably, to date there is no evidence that definitively shows running causes polyps.

The new study presents a correlation — an increasing relationship between long-distance running and advanced adenomas. It does not prove that running directly causes the adenomas.

Read More: Europe Sees Record Surge In Gonorrhea, Syphilis Cases In Over A Decade, Says ECDC

The new results suggest that “intensive long-distance running is a risk factor for advanced adenomas of the colon", said Dr. Timothy, in the paper. The team also called for "refining screening strategies" for marathon runners.

It is because runners put their bodies through a lot, which can raise the risk of chronic inflammation, enabling cancerous cells to grow.

Their high-caloric foods for immediate energy can slow down digestion and impact your overall colon health.

What is Colorectal Cancer

The American Cancer Society notes that colorectal cancer is a cancer that starts in the colon or the rectum. Colorectal cancer impacts around 1.9 million people every year, noted the World Health Organization (WHO) as per its 2022 data.

It is a disease of the large bowel and a type of cancer that originates from the rectum or colon. A person's colon, cecum, rectum, and anus make up the large intestine.

According to experts, if you are above 45 years of age or have high-risk factors, you need to take the initiative to be screened, as the symptoms appear late, impacting treatment outcomes.

The common red flags for colorectal cancer include:

  • rectal bleeding,
  • persistent abdominal discomfort,
  • pain,
  • a noticeable change in bowel habits.

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'It Started As A Mild Ache After Workouts': Why Persistent Pain Could Signal Tendonitis

Updated May 22, 2026 | 07:00 AM IST

SummaryAcute injury to any tendon due to repeated movement results in tendinitis and causes pain and inflammation, but when this injury is ignored and no rest is taken, they progress to tendinosis.
'It Started As A Mild Ache After Workouts': Why Persistent Pain Could Signal Tendonitis

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What starts as a mild soreness after exercise is often ignored as simply another part of living an active lifestyle. Many people keep working out, thinking that the pain will subside with rest. But when pain keeps coming back or gets worse, it may be a sign of tendonitis - a common condition of inflammation or irritation of a tendon.

With increasing focus on fitness, gym workouts, running, and high-intensity exercises, tendon-related injuries are becoming more common. At the same time, sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and repetitive strain from gadgets and laptops are also contributing to the problem.

What Is Tendonitis?

Acute injury to any tendon due to repeated movement results in tendinitis and causes pain and inflammation, but when this injury is ignored and no rest is taken, they progress to tendinosis.

In tendinosis, the cause of pain is not acute inflammation, so anti-inflammatory medicine is of no use. So our focus is to repair, replace, or debride scar tissue. This is an entirely different approach from treating tendinitis.

Early signs

One of the biggest challenges with tendonitis is that its early symptoms are frequently dismissed. Many people continue exercising despite the discomfort, believing “pushing through the pain” is part of staying fit. Unfortunately, this often worsens the condition.

Some common signs include:

  • Pain during or after physical activity
  • Tenderness around a joint
  • Mild swelling or stiffness
  • Weakness in the affected area
  • Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity

Why Ignoring Can Make It Worse?

Prolonged vigorous physical activity despite continued pain can put more stress on the tendon and exacerbate inflammation. Repeated strain, over time, can cause tendon degeneration or even tendon tears, which may take a lot longer to repair.

Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, office workers, and people whose work involves repetitive motions are the most at risk. Poor warm-up, improper exercise methods, lack of recovery time between sessions, and time during rehabilitation can also increase the risk.

How Can It Be Treated?

Early treatment commonly focuses on reducing strain and inflammation. Symptoms are often relieved through rest, ice application, physiotherapy, stretching exercises, and posture correction. Depending on the severity of the condition, supportive braces or activity modification to reduce stress on the affected tendon may be recommended.

In more severe or long-standing cases where conservative treatment does not provide relief, advanced interventions such as steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or minimally invasive surgical procedures may be considered to repair damaged tendons and restore movement. Since tendons heal more slowly than muscles due to limited blood supply, recovery often takes time and patience.

Finally, USG-guided percutaneous tenotomy is done if every other treatment fails.

Not every post-workout ache is innocuous. That pain that repeatedly comes back, worsens over time, or curtails movement should not be ignored. Getting medical advice early can prevent long-term damage so that people can return to their regular activities without excessive chronic pain.

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