HIIT Helps Older Adults Preserve Muscle While Losing Fat, Study Finds
Maintaining muscle and controlling fat becomes harder with age. A recent study suggests that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) could help older adults achieve health equity by staying stronger while losing fat. Unlike simpler measures like BMI, body composition gives a clearer picture of health by tracking muscle and fat levels.
As people grow older, fat often increases while muscle declines. This shift raises health risks, making physical activity especially important. Researchers compared three exercise types in older adults: HIIT, moderate-intensity training, and low-intensity training. All three led to some fat loss over six months.
HIIT stood out for its effect on muscle. While the other groups lost a little muscle or showed no clear change, the HIIT group maintained their lean mass. This is because HIIT pushes muscles harder, signaling the body to hold onto strength. However, the study did not track daily life improvements like energy or mobility—it focused on heart health and oxygen uptake instead.
Experts note that HIIT may not suit everyone. More research is needed to see how it affects different older adults over time.
The findings suggest HIIT could be a useful tool for older adults aiming to cut fat without losing muscle. Regular exercise remains key to healthy ageing, but the right intensity may make a difference. Further studies will help clarify who benefits most and how it impacts long-term wellbeing.
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