Study Finds Walking Speed as Key Indicator of Metabolic Health in Obese Individuals

New Delhi: Walking speed can serve as a quick, equipment-free indicator of metabolic health risks among people with obesity, according to new research. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, highlights how a faster walking pace is linked to a reduced risk of metabolic diseases and can act as a marker of overall health.

Researchers from Doshisha University, Japan, investigated the relationship between subjective walking speed and the likelihood of developing metabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, particularly among obese individuals. Unlike objective walking speed, which requires specialized assessments, subjective walking speed is self-reported and can be easily integrated into routine health check-ups.

“This study clarified that even individuals with obesity, who are at higher risk for metabolic diseases, have lower odds of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia if they report a fast subjective walking speed,” said Prof. Kojiro Ishii, a lead researcher told IANS.

The study analyzed data from over 24,000 participants, including 8,578 with obesity, 9,626 with high waist circumference, and 6,742 meeting both criteria. Findings revealed that individuals reporting a faster walking speed had a 30% lower risk of diabetes and notable reductions in risks for hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Walking faster, the researchers explained, improves cardiorespiratory fitness, which is associated with lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress—key contributors to metabolic diseases. Beyond its mobility benefits, walking speed could also act as an accessible public health tool for identifying at-risk populations.

The study aligns with earlier research linking slow walking speed to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and higher mortality in older adults. By encouraging individuals to adopt a faster walking pace, the researchers suggest, public health initiatives could help mitigate the risks of metabolic diseases, particularly for those with obesity.

“Promoting a faster walking pace may be a helpful individual behavior to prevent metabolic diseases,” Dr. Ishii added. The study underscores the potential of subjective walking speed as a low-cost, scalable measure for improving metabolic health outcomes.