Resistance training, which may include lifting weights at a gym or doing squats and push-ups at home, supports healthy muscles, bones, and balance. Now, a study in PLoS Medicine found adults in Texas who regularly participated in resistance exercise were 20-30% less likely to become obese years later.
To reach these findings, the authors followed 11,938 healthy adults, ages 18-89, for about six years between 1987-2005. During this time, study participants shared information about their exercise routine, lifestyle habits, and medical history. The researchers measured obesity through body mass index (BMI), waist size, and body fat percentage. Overall, adults who did any resistance training saw benefits. For example, compared to 71% of adults who didn’t do resistance training, those who did about two 30- to 60-minute resistance training workouts a week were 30%, 41%, and 31% less likely to become obese, based on BMI, waist size, and body fat. Compared to adults who did less resistance training, those who did at least two muscle-strengthening workouts a week were 18-30% less likely to become obese years later. The most significant reductions came from adults who did regular resistance training and aerobic exercise, like brisk walking or biking.
The research was supported by the National Institute on Aging, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the NHLBI.