Can walking Speed Predict Metabolic Health in Obese Individuals? Study Provide Insights - Video

A recent study from National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center explored the connection between subjective walking speed and metabolic diseases risk, particularly in individuals with obesity. The study’s findings, published in Scientific Reports suggest that assessing how a person perceives their walking pace relative to peers could become a vital tool for public health.

The study involved 8,578 individuals with

obesity, 9,626 individuals with high waist circumference, and 6,742 meeting both criteria. The participants were asked a single question in a health questionnaire: “Is your walking speed faster than that of your age and sex?” Based on their responses, they were categorized as either “fast” or “slow” walkers. The results showed that individuals who identified as faster walkers had significantly lower risks of diabetes (30% lower) and smaller but notable reductions in the risks of

hypertension and dyslipidemia.

The simplicity and accessibility of this measure makes it ideal for application in clinical and public health settings. Subjective walking speed is self-reported and readily incorporated into standard examinations unlike objective walking speed, which needs resources, time, and space to assess.

The researchers attributed their findings to the relationship between walking speed and overall health. Faster walkers often demonstrate better cardiorespiratory fitness, which is associated with lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress—two key drivers of metabolic diseases.

According to the study, individuals who walk quickly may be more fit and have a lower risk of metabolic diseases. In addition to lowering the risk of metabolic diseases, encouraging faster walking, even subjectively, could help prevent the “metabolic domino effect,” where obesity leads to lifestyle-related diseases. Obesity is the first step in this cascade, which then advances to diseases like dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Reference: Yamamoto, Y., Ikeue, K., Kanasaki, M. et al. Association between subjective walking speed and metabolic diseases in individuals with obesity: a cross-sectional analysis. Sci Rep 14, 28228 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78541-w