Best Way To Walk Off Weight

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - I have a question for you. What leads to greater weight loss in patients who are rehabbing from a cardiac injury, daily long-distance walking or walking short distances at a brisk pace?

The answer: daily long-distance walking results in twice as much weight loss as standard cardiac rehabilitation exercises that involve walking short distances at a brisk pace.

A University of Vermont study found that people who walk 45 to 60 minutes a day most days a week have consistently greater improvements in 10 risk factors including blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, blood pressure and cardio-respiratory fitness.

All of this is great in theory but I think the most important point is that any exercise is good but don't feel that walking long distances is not as effective as fast-paced walking.