Walking speed predicts metabolic health in obese individuals

The speed at which people walk can provide insights into health, extending beyond mere mobility, according to experts in Japan. Past studies have suggested that a slow walking speed is correlated with the development of cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk of mortality in the elderly.

Now a new study conducted in Kyoto and published in Scientific Reports has explored the connection between subjective walking speed and metabolic diseases risk, particularly in individuals with obesity.

‘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 from Doshisha University.

The study involved 8,578 individuals with obesity (defined by body mass index), 9,626 individuals with high waist circumference, and 6,742 meeting both criteria. The results showed that individuals who self-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 questionnaire used in the research is included in a standardised protocol by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan, allowing for a quick and easy assessment without requiring specialised equipment.

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.

‘Promoting a faster walking pace may be a helpful individual behavior to help prevent metabolic diseases, particularly in individuals with obesity,’ Dr Ishii said.

While this kind of self-reporting study cannot establish causation, the study’s findings align with previous research on walking pace and health outcomes. Future long-term research could validate these findings and investigate the precise processes behind the noted correlations.

Overall, the study highlights how subjective walking speed measurements could revolutionise the identification of high-risk individuals and help prevent metabolic disorders linked to obesity, especially when incorporated into routine health examinations. The paper said that asking a simple question like “Is your walking speed faster than your peers?” could provide life-saving insights.