'This Habit' Controls Both Blood Sugar and Belly Fat... What Kind of Exercise Is It? [Health Issue]
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- 2025-11-06 05:20:00
- Updated
- 2025-11-06 05:20:00
[Financial News] A study has found that strength training is more effective than aerobic exercise in lowering post-meal blood sugar and reducing belly fat. This is because glucose consumed during meals is used as energy in the muscles, stabilizing blood sugar levels. The effect was greatest when exercise was performed after eating.
How does strength training affect blood sugar reduction?
A paper published in the international journal Journal of Sport and Health Science reported that resistance exercise contributes to lowering blood sugar. Improved ability to deliver glucose generated from food intake to cells such as muscles led to a reduction in abdominal fat. The effect of strength training was greater than that of aerobic exercise. Resistance exercise also improved glucose utilization, enhanced blood circulation, and helped suppress inflammation.
Thighs account for 70% of total muscle mass and are key to processing glucose in the body
After consuming carbohydrates such as rice, noodles, bread, and potatoes, the glucose that is broken down is mostly consumed by muscles. Thigh muscles, which make up 60-70% of total muscle mass, play a major role in processing glucose in the body. About 30 minutes after a meal, when blood sugar begins to rise, the thigh muscles absorb glucose from the blood and use it as an energy source. Combining this with activities like climbing stairs or doing squats is especially effective.
Developing thigh muscles improves insulin sensitivity and helps prevent diabetes
The greater the muscle mass in the thighs, the more effectively post-meal blood sugar spikes can be suppressed. The risk of diabetes increases when insulin resistance persists.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells do not absorb glucose even when insulin is secreted from the pancreas. When excess sugar remains in the blood and is excreted in the urine, it leads to diabetes. Well-developed thigh muscles increase insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to efficiently absorb glucose even if the pancreas secretes less insulin.
Combining protein intake and post-meal habits like climbing stairs is necessary
When performing resistance exercises such as climbing stairs or squats, it is essential to consume protein from sources like eggs, meat, or fish. Carbohydrates, which provide energy, should also be consumed in appropriate amounts. When blood sugar is stabilized, fat accumulation decreases, leading to a reduction in abdominal fat.
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter