Is walking or running better for weight loss?

Author: Nettie Marquardt  |  Last update: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Running burns more calories than walking over the same distance, making it more effective for weight loss for most people. However, walking is still great exercise and can be more sustainable for some individuals.

Is it better to run or walk to lose belly fat?

Running might lead to quicker fat loss due to its higher intensity and greater calorie burn, but walking is also an effective and gentler option for many.

Is it better to run for 10 minutes or walk for 30 minutes?

  • Running for 30 Minutes Calories Burned: Running generally burns more calories in a shorter time compared to walking.
  • Walking for 30 Minutes Lower Impact: Walking is easier on the joints, making it a better option for those with injuries or joint issues.
  • Conclusion For Weight Loss

Is walking or running better for fat loss?

Walking burns more fat

While running burns more calories overall and will result in a higher overall reduction of weight, walking may burn more fat for fuel. This is due to the fact that our bodies utilise fat as the primary fuel source when a person is exercising at a lesser intensity.

Can I lose weight by running 30 minutes a day?

Yes, a 30-minute run can contribute to weight loss, especially when combined with a balanced diet and consistent exercise routine. Running helps burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, which are essential factors for weight loss.

Walking vs Running: Weight Loss, Fat Loss, Life Span AND MORE

How to burn 1000 calories in a day?

Running, cycling, swimming, and rowing are all great options for hitting your calorie burn target.
  1. Running: To burn 1000 calories in a day, a 75 kg person running at 10 km/h can burn around 600 calories in an hour. ...
  2. Cycling: Biking at 18-20 km/h can help you burn 600-800 calories in an hour.

What burns fat the fastest?

  • Strength training. Working out is the best way to burn fat. ...
  • Eat more protein. ...
  • Get your eight hours of sleep a night. ...
  • Increase your soluble fibre intake. ...
  • HIIT workouts. ...
  • Cut down on sugar. ...
  • Start your day with exercise. ...
  • Eat more slowly.

What is a flat tummy walk?

A “flat tummy walk” is a type of exercise that is intended to help tone and strengthen the. abdominal muscles, leading to a flatter stomach. This type of exercise typically involves engaging the core muscles and walking at a brisk pace. It can be done indoors or outdoors and doesn't require any equipment.

Is it better to walk fast or jog slowly?

As compared to slow jogging, fast walking will not burn as many calories, but it can still aid you in your weight loss journey. It is a low impact exercise, which is why not only does it reduce your risk of injury, but it is one of the best cardio workouts for those with joint pain and pre-existing injury.

Is it better to run 3 miles or walk 5 miles?

If you're trying to lose weight, moderately paced running can burn calories twice as fast as walking. If you're just trying to promote a base level of health and fitness, then walking will do the job just as well. Running delivers more health benefits more efficiently than walking.

Does walking reduce belly fat?

A research study states that regular walking helps reduce belly fat, which improves the body's response to insulin. Walking for at least 30 minutes every day allows you to prevent weight gain. It can also strengthen the muscles in your legs and tone your legs.

How long should I run to lose weight?

Running 30 minutes a day will help you lose weight, so long as the runs are intense. Rather than focusing on distance, running faster or doing sprint intervals will be more effective. By increasing your speed you'll burn more calories and save time. Repeated daily, you'll burn enough calories to lose weight.

Will walking get rid of a saggy belly?

While walking, itself, is not going to promote the loss of abdominal fat, it could absolutely be part of the equation; one that also needs to include a calorie-controlled diet and strength training.”

How much weight can I lose in 1 month by walking?

How much weight you can lose from walking depends on your current weight, diet and activity level. We recommend losing no more than 1 to 2 pounds per week for sustainable weight loss, which means you could potentially lose 5 to 10 pounds in 5 weeks.

How long does it take to see results from running 3 times a week?

On average, a consistent, healthy rate of weight loss is about 1-2 pounds per week. With regular running and dietary adjustments, most people begin to see changes in four to six weeks. However, this is a very individual journey, and patience is key.

Does walking tone your butt?

Yes—when it comes to building your glutes while walking, it's all about the incline. If you're on a treadmill, “anything above a five percent grade is going to target the glutes much more than a lower incline [or flat surface],” says Matty.

What exercise burns the most belly fat?

Activities like running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) burn more calories and fat throughout the body, including the upper belly, lower belly, and obliques. So, while ab exercises can help define your core, it's a holistic approach that will help you lose the fat covering those muscles.

Where do you lose weight first when walking?

Generally speaking, the first place men typically lose weight is the belly, while women tend to lose weight all over, but may hold onto weight in the thighs and hips more so than men, Dr. Block says.

How can I drop 20 pounds fast?

Using these tips may help someone lose 20 lbs or reach their target weight.
  1. How to lose weight effectively and safely. ...
  2. Reducing calories. ...
  3. Refined carbohydrates and added sugars. ...
  4. Eating more protein. ...
  5. Including healthy fats. ...
  6. Eating more plant-based foods. ...
  7. Exercising. ...
  8. Getting adequate sleep.

Can you lose 10 pounds in 3 days?

Losing 10 pounds in 3 days is an unrealistic goal for most people and could entail unsafe dieting behaviors. Rapid weight loss like this may also make it more likely that someone will put weight back on, rather than losing the weight permanently.

How can I reduce my tummy in 7 days?

What is the fastest way to lose belly fat in a week? Doing cardio and abdominal exercises every day, coupled with a healthy diet (that is low in calories, fats, and sugars) is an efficient strategy for losing belly fat quickly.

How many pounds a week can you lose on a 1200 calorie diet?

This simple 1,200-calorie meal plan is specially tailored to help you feel energized and satisfied while eating fewer calories so you can lose a healthy 1 to 2 pounds per week.

Previous article
What foods are not allowed on the South Beach Diet?
Next article
Should I straighten my teeth before whitening?