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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2023 Jan;31(1):83-95.
doi: 10.1002/oby.23605. Epub 2022 Dec 10.

The efficacy of morning versus evening exercise for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial

Paige G Brooker  1 , Sjaan R Gomersall  1   2 , Neil A King  3 , Michael D Leveritt  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The efficacy of morning versus evening exercise for weight loss: A randomized controlled trial

Paige G Brooker et al. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of morning versus evening exercise on weight loss, cardiometabolic health, and components of energy balance.

Methods: A total of 100 inactive adults with overweight or obesity were randomized to morning exercise (AMEx; 06:00-09:00), evening exercise (PMEx; 16:00-19:00), or wait-list control (CON). AMEx and PMEx were prescribed 250 min·wk-1 of self-paced aerobic exercise for 12 weeks. Anthropometry and body composition, physical activity, and dietary intake were assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2 peak), resting metabolic rate, and blood markers were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Body composition and V̇O2 peak were also measured at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Results: AMEx and PMEx lost weight during the intervention (mean [SD], AMEx, -2.7 [2.5] kg, p < 0.001; PMEx, -3.1 [3.4] kg, p < 0.001). V̇O2 peak significantly increased in both intervention groups, and these changes were different from CON (AMEx, +4.7 mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , p = 0.034; PMEx, +4.2 mL·kg-1 ·min-1 , p = 0.045). There were no between-group differences for resting metabolic rate or physical activity. At 12 weeks, total energy intake was significantly reduced in both AMEx and PMEx versus CON (AMEx, -3974 kJ, p < 0.001; PMEx, -3165 kJ, p = 0.001).

Conclusions: Adults with overweight and obesity experience modest weight loss in response to an exercise program, but there does not appear to be an optimal time to exercise.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declared no conflict of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) flow diagram of participant progression through the study. AMEx, morning exercise; CON, control; PMEx, evening exercise
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Magnitude of change in body composition across the study period, relative to baseline: (A) morning exercise group (AMEx); (B) evening exercise group (PMEx); and (C) control group (CON). Change in body mass calculated as the sum of change in fat mass and fat‐free mass, measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. BL, baseline; MID, mid‐intervention; POST, post‐intervention; 3FU, 3‐month follow‐up; 6FU, 6‐month follow‐up
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