10 Reasons Walking Burns More Fat Than Running, “Your Body Actually Prefers It”

If you’re convinced that running is the best way to shed pounds, think again! Walking may be the hidden gem of weight loss that your body naturally prefers. In fact, Viking Ingunn, a physicist turned nutrition expert, has uncovered some surprising truths about how can actually burn more fat than it . Here’s why walking might just be your new best friend in the battle against fat.

1. The Calorie Compensation Effect

Running seems like it burns more calories, but your body might be compensating for it. Research shows that intense exercise, like running, can cause your body to burn fewer calories in other areas. Viking Ingunn explains that up to 49% of calories burned during high-intensity exercise can be offset by your body’s natural mechanisms. So, while you might think you’re burning lots of extra calories, you might actually be burning much less than you expect.

2. Time vs. Intensity

If you’re trying to lose weight, you may be surprised by the numbers. A 170-pound person burns about 269 calories from jogging for 30 minutes. But guess what? They burn the same amount of calories from walking for an entire hour! The difference? It is more sustainable and doesn’t feel like a punishment, making it easier to stay consistent.

3. The Metabolism Protection Factor

Running might not be as kind to your body as you think. Ingunn points out that running can actually decrease muscle mass over time, especially in marathon runners who typically have low muscle mass. Walking, on the other hand, preserves muscle while targeting fat, making it a more effective option for long-term fat loss.

4. The Stress Hormone Connection

Running can be stressful on your body, elevating cortisol levels – the stress hormone – which is linked to belly fat. In contrast, It is less stressful and can help reduce cortisol levels, potentially helping you burn fat more effectively. So, if you’re stressed and trying to lose weight, It might just be the stress reliever you need.

5. The Hunger Response Reality

Have you ever noticed that running makes you feel incredibly hungry afterward? This is because intense exercise can trigger a strong hunger response, often leading to overeating. It, however, doesn’t cause the same intense cravings. As a result, it’s less likely to derail your weight loss goals by prompting you to eat more than you should.

6. The Insulin Advantage

Walking has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which is key for burning fat. Ingunn highlights that people who walk regularly see better insulin responses compared to those who only follow a diet plan. Better insulin sensitivity means fewer cravings and more fat-burning potential.

7. The Sustainability Factor

One of the best things about walking is how easy it is to do. You don’t need special equipment, a gym membership, or even to break a sweat. Walking is a low-impact exercise that anyone can do anywhere, making it a convenient and sustainable option for weight loss.

8. The Consistency Principle

The key to successful weight loss is consistency. Ingunn advises setting realistic goals, like aiming for 3,000 steps a day. Because walking is less intense than running, you’re more likely to stick with it long-term, leading to steady and sustainable results.

9. The Energy Conservation Truth

When you push your body too hard, it tries to conserve energy, which can actually slow down your metabolism. Running can trigger this response, while walking doesn’t have the same effect. This means that walking can help maintain a higher metabolic rate over time, encouraging fat loss.

10. The Lifestyle Integration Benefit

The best part about walking is how easily it can fit into your daily life. Whether it’s a short walk during your lunch break or a stroll with a friend, you don’t have to carve out hours for it. Walking is a flexible and easy way to integrate exercise into your lifestyle, making it more likely that you’ll stick with it in the long run.

Conclusion

While diet is a major factor in weight loss, walking complements your body’s natural fat-burning mechanisms. It’s easier on your body, helps maintain muscle mass, reduces stress, and is easier to stick with than running. So, before you lace up your running shoes, consider switching to walking. Your body may just thank you for it.