Optimizing timing of exercise to improve metabolic outcomes in obesity and type 2 diabetes

Exercise improves metabolic health in people with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the best time of day to exercise remains unclear. Evidence suggests morning exercise may better support weight loss, particularly in overweight/obesity, while afternoon exercise may improve glycemic control, especially in type 2 diabetes. However, some studies report no effect of exercise timing on metabolic benefits. Overall, exercise timing may offer outcome-specific advantages, but further research is needed to establish clear recommendations.

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Publication Details

Journal
npj Biological Timing and Sleep
Published
2026-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s44323-026-00099-9
Primary Topic
Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Optimizing timing of exercise to improve metabolic outcomes in obesity and type 2 diabetes

P. Schrauwen, T. van de Weijer, J. Hoeks, M. Kotte
npj Biological Timing and Sleep
Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
article

Optimizing timing of exercise to improve metabolic outcomes in obesity and type 2 diabetes

P. Schrauwen, T. van de Weijer, J. Hoeks, M. Kotte
article en

Abstract

Exercise improves metabolic health in people with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the best time of day to exercise remains unclear. Evidence suggests morning exercise may better support weight loss, particularly in overweight/obesity, while afternoon exercise may improve glycemic control, especially in type 2 diabetes. However, some studies report no effect of exercise timing on metabolic benefits. Overall, exercise timing may offer outcome-specific advantages, but further research is needed to establish clear recommendations.

npj Biological Timing and SleepVol. 3(1)
Leiden University Medical Center (NL), Maastricht University Medical Centre (NL), Maastricht University (NL), Deutsches Diabetes-Zentrum e.V. (DE), German Center for Diabetes Research (DE), Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (DE)
Health~Holland, ZonMw, Diabetes Fonds, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
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