A new study has found that individuals can achieve satisfactory weight loss results, whether they engage in physical activity regularly or just one or two days a week. Researchers analyzed data from over 9,600 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2011 to 2018, with participants aged between 20 and 59 years. They revealed that individuals described as "weekend warriors," meaning those who intensify their workouts on one or two days a week, can lose weight and achieve results similar to those who exercise regularly, as long as they adhere to their target weight loss goals.
Liwa Chang, one of the study authors and a healthcare scientist at Fuwai Hospital, the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Beijing Union Medical College, stated that office workers, bus drivers, and other employees who are forced to sit for long hours during the workday struggle to implement their exercise plans in daily life to compensate for the risks of a sedentary lifestyle. He added, "Our study could provide them with an alternative option to stay fit," explaining that suitable activities could include hiking, cycling, or running.
It is noteworthy that the World Health Organization guidelines recommend adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity weekly. However, many individuals find it challenging to meet this recommendation.
