Can Walking While Eating Can Lead to Weight Gain? - By Dt. Himanshu Bagga | Lybrate (2024)

Some new studies have shown that eating while you are walking can cause weight gain. The findings have said that while walking you tend to consume more food than when you are stagnant. However, not only walking but also while conversing with others or watching television increases your urge to consume more food.

The reasons for which you may consume more food while walking are:

  1. If you sometimes eat on the go then you can consume more food later in the day. Because while eating we did not concentrate how much of amount we consumed.
  2. One more reason of consuming much food can be that walking is one powerful distraction. As you do not completely concentrate on your food it falls into mindless eating.
  3. Concentrating on your food is a significant part of enjoying your food and managing weight gain.
  4. When you sit down and eat, you tend to focus on how much food you are taking in one bite, and chew properly. Nevertheless, when walking and eating none of these happens.
  5. When you walk and eat, you do not pay attention to what you are eating. While on the go you just grab whatever food satiates your hunger and this leads to weight gain later.

There are also some simple steps to avoid over eating. They are:

  1. Sit on a table and eat slowly.
  2. Chew your food properly.
  3. You should stop eating when you first start feeling that you are full.
  4. Try to eat as many vegetables as you can and try to avoid junk foods.

Weight gain and obesity is also associated with our mind. When we start consuming food, our brain takes at least 20 minutes to connect to our stomach. So, eating slowly is a much needed for avoiding weight gain.

Can Walking While Eating Can Lead to Weight Gain? - By Dt. Himanshu Bagga | Lybrate (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you eat and walk at the same time? ›

Some new studies have shown that eating while you are walking can cause weight gain. The findings have said that while walking you tend to consume more food than when you are stagnant. However, not only walking but also while conversing with others or watching television increases your urge to consume more food.

Is it bad for you to eat while walking? ›

Is it bad to eat while walking. Walking while or after eating may interfere with digestion and could lead to an upset stomach in some cases. That said, walking after eating could also speed up digestion. In addition, it may also help support healthy blood sugar levels and help protect you from heart disease.

Can walking make you gain weight? ›

Physical activity, such as walking, is important for weight control because it helps you burn calories. If you add 30 minutes of brisk walking to your daily habits, you could burn about 150 more calories a day. Of course, the more you walk and the quicker your pace, the more calories you'll burn.

Is it good to walk after eating? ›

Walking after eating is a simple way to support mental and physical health. Studies back up the benefits of walking after eating, including a brighter mood, smoother digestion, steadier blood sugar, and increased circulation (which can boost energy as well as mental clarity).

How long should you wait between eating and walking? ›

You can go immediately after you eat, as some studies show that is the time that reaps the most benefits. But she says that you might encounter stomach discomfort if you do any physical activity soon after a meal, so it could be worth waiting 15 minutes or so before walking.

Does walking reduce belly fat? ›

One of the most effective ways to reduce belly fat is to regularly take part in aerobic exercise, such as walking ( 19 , 20 ). In one small study, women with obesity who walked for 50–70 minutes three times per week for 12 weeks, on average, reduced their waist circumference and their body fat.

Is it better to walk before or after eating to lose weight? ›

Burn calories

However, this formula is more of a guideline than a hard-and-fast rule. But if you want to use it as the basis for weight loss, one way to help create that deficit is by taking a walk immediately after mealtimes. Walking can boost your metabolism, helping you burn more calories from fat.

Does walking after eating prevent weight gain? ›

The low-impact aerobic activity burns calories, which can help you lose or maintain weight. There is no evidence that walking right after eating burns more calories. However, some research suggests that shorter bouts of walking may be better for weight loss than one continuous walking session.

Is it better to walk on an empty stomach or with food? ›

Research suggests that a morning walk before eating can help improve insulin sensitivity, assisting in better blood sugar control. It aids in stabilising glucose levels, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The benefits extend beyond the physical realm.

Why am I still gaining weight if I walk a lot? ›

Consider Your Diet

If you are walking but not losing weight, it is a good time to look at what you are eating. You may need to make a few swaps. The key is maintaining good nutrition. Explore the right number of calories for your level of physical activity and weight-loss goal.

How much walking is too much walking? ›

There is no 'maximal' limit for walking or any exercise for that matter,” says Randy Cohn, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine doctor at Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute in Garden City, New York. The benefits of walking long distances could make the effort worthwhile.

What are the side effects of walking too much? ›

Negative Effects of Walking Too Much
  • Decreased performance.
  • Depression.
  • Elevated resting heart rate (RHR)
  • Increased irritability.
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss.
  • Nagging, chronic injuries.
  • Persistent fatigue.
  • Persistent heavy, stiff, and sore muscles.
May 16, 2024

What is the best time to walk to lose weight? ›

Researchers say exercising between 7–9 a.m. is best for weight management. Morning exercisers had a lower body mass index and waist circumference than those exercising later. Experts say better sleep, mental health, brain health, and physiological health are also important benefits of exercise.

When is the best time to walk? ›

By the evening, your muscles have had the whole day to warm up. This can make your evening walk more efficient by enabling you to add more power to your stride. An evening walk can help you sleep by aiding relaxation, reducing stress and regulating your circadian rhythm, ultimately leading to a better night's rest.

Can I eat immediately after walking? ›

Time It Right

After exercise, your body is ready to refuel and rebuild muscle tissue. Eat or drink within an hour of finishing.

Can you lose weight by walking and eating? ›

Short answer, yes! "Walking helps you lose weight by increasing your heart rate and burning calories. If you burn more calories than you consume, you will be in a calorie deficit, which will result in weight loss," says Tami Smith, CPT, ACE-certified personal trainer and owner of Fit Healthy Momma.

Can you walk off the calories you ate? ›

So why isn't it realistic to think in terms of exercising away every additional calorie? Most of us don't have the time. It may take 2 minutes to eat a 350-calorie piece of cake, but someone who weighs 100 pounds (about 45 kg) would need to walk for more than 2 hours to burn it off.

What is the gap between walking and food? ›

How long after a meal should you start walking? Most studies say walk after 30 minutes but according to Vedic wisdom, a longer gap yields the best results. If it is a heavy meal, then one must wait it out longer, begin strolling slowly with relaxed breathing that could further support and assist digestion.

Does walking after eating cause acid reflux? ›

Now to address a key question - how long should you wait after a meal before you set off on your walk? Walking immediately following a meal may cause acid reflux and upset your stomach. "It is advisable to walk after a gap of 30-45 minutes after your lunch or dinner to experience the most benefits," says Singh.

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