Light Exercise After Meals May Help Keep Triglycerides Low

Light exercise, particularly after meals, may prevent triglyceride levels from becoming elevated, according to research published in the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. This study, in the February edition of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise®, shows timing exercise around meals may allow an individual to reap the most benefit out of each exercise session.

“High triglyceride levels can put individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and other heart-related conditions. Regular exercise is a good way to keep triglycerides from becoming elevated, and the results of this study may help individuals manage their triglyceride levels more effectively by considering the timing,” said the primary investigator, Wataru Aoi, Ph.D., of Kyoto Prefectural University in Kyoto, Japan.
In a small sample of healthy participants who were not currently participating in an exercise program, a low-intensity exercise combination of walking and light resistance exercises suppressed the elevation of post-meal triglyceride concentration after eating a high-fat meal. This effect was noted in VLDL, LDL, and HDL fractions.
Findings indicate that low intensity workouts performed after meals, and to a lesser extent, workouts before meals, can help supress elevation of triglycerides, which are an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Further research is needed to determine if this study is appropriate for broad application to the general public.