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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Fitness Myths And Why Fitness Matters For Women

Updated May 30, 2026 | 01:00 PM IST

Summary​A woman may not look thin and still be metabolically healthier and more active than someone who normally appears slim but has poor muscle strength and low stamina.
Fitness Myths And Why Fitness Matters For Women

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For many women, fitness is still wrongly linked only with loss of weight, a slim body, or a certain physical appearance. In reality, fitness is much more than body size. It is also about strength, flexibility, hormonal balance, mental strength, bone strength, and long-term disease prevention.

A woman may not look thin and still be metabolically healthier and more active than someone who normally appears slim but has poor muscle strength and low stamina.

Myth: Strength Training Makes Women Bulky

Lifting heavy weights in the gym makes women bulky is the most common myth. This is not true for most of the women. Strength-related training helps to improve the tone of muscles, posture, metabolism, and density of bones. It is mainly important because women are at a greater risk of osteoporosis later in life. Regular resistance exercise can also help to protect the joints, reduce the risk of injury, and support healthy ageing.

Myth: Cardio Alone Is Enough

Some practices, such as walking, running, or cycling, are very good for the health of the heart, but cardio alone is not enough. Women also need a well-balanced routine that includes strength-related training, stretching, mobility exercises, and proper recovery as well. A complete fitness plan supports a better level of energy, improves the composition of the body, strengthens bones, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Fitness Supports Hormonal and Mental Health

During different stages of women's lives, exercise plays a very major role, including menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, perimenopause, and menopause. Regular physical exercise can also help to reduce stress, improve sleep, support mood regulation, and lower the risk of lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and PCOS-related complications.

The Real Goal: Consistency Over Intensity

Women do not need extreme diets or exhausting workouts to stay fit. Even 30 minutes of regular movement, when integrated with strength exercises two to three times a week, can make a great difference. The main goal should be sustainable fitness, not punishment. When women see fitness as self-care rather than pressure, it becomes a powerful tool for confidence, independence, and long-term health.

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What Is The Best Low-Cost Solution For Panic Attacks?

Updated May 25, 2026 | 12:59 PM IST

SummaryPanic attacks, a common problem for millions of people in their daily lives, have a very effective and low-cost solution. A new study concludes that 30-second sprinting can work like therapy in the case of panic disorder.
What is the best low-cost solution for panic attacks?

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Panic attacks are a consistent problem that impacts millions of people worldwide. This feeling of uneasiness and discomfort can impact one's life drastically. Though often the solution to this common problem is costly and full of medications and therapies. Fortunately, certain ways can help you get rid of your issue with panic attacks. The solution: sprinting. It is a very low-cost and effective solution for this everyday problem, according to a recent study.

Ricardo William Muotri's research at the University of São Paulo Medical School was published in Frontiers in Psychiatry. Research using data from clinical trials finds that Brief Intermittent Intense Exercise (BIE) can be a very effective and low-cost solution for panic attacks. This study concludes that 30-second sprints help your body forget the fear related to panic disorder. In this way, the physical sensations associated with panic fade away.

How Can Sprinting Help Get Rid Of Panic Disorder?

The research also sheds light on how to use intermittent physical exercise to get relief from panic attacks. The fruitfulness of this whole process can be seen in just 12 weeks. The exercise should be done in a methodical order.

  • At first, you should start by stretching.
  • Then follow up with 12 minutes of light walking.
  • After that, you can start your sprinting with about 6 bouts spanning about 30 seconds each.
  • Be sure to take a 4.5-minute break to let your body recover.
  • At last, conclude your routine with another 15-minute-long light walk.

Panic Disorder: Why Does Sprinting Work As A Remedy?

The 30-second sprinting lets your body feel the sensation of a racing heart, and that, in turn, trains your brain that it is not a dangerous physical symptom. As a result, the effects of panic attacks lessen with time. Along with this, the intense physical exertion stimulates peptide hormones and endorphins that calm your nervous system. Another important aspect of sprinting is that it is a low-cost option to treat panic disorder. This is the case because it does not require any medication or specialized clinical procedures.

What Is A Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden rise of discomfort and uneasiness along with intense fear. These emotions, in turn, cause multiple other physical and psychological problems along with the initial issues and compound the overall torment of having panic disorder.

What Are The Signs Of A Panic Attack?

Physical symptoms of panic attacks:

  • Heart racing is one of the first and common symptoms of panic attacks, coupled with shortness of breath.

  • Other symptoms are dizziness, nausea, chest pain, trembling, shaking, or sweating.

Emotional symptoms of a panic attack:

  • The emotional symptoms can vary from person to person, but usually revolve around the fear of death and detachment from oneself and the reality of his or her situation.

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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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