Running is great for burning calories, but new research from Virginia Tech shows that strength training may do even more to prevent diabetes and obesity. In the study, researchers compared running and weightlifting in mice fed a high-fat diet, which mimics human obesity and insulin resistance. Both types of exercise improved blood sugar control, but weight training led to bigger benefits — including less belly fat, better glucose tolerance, and lower insulin resistance.
To mimic strength training, scientists designed cages where mice had to lift a weighted lid to reach their food. After eight weeks, those mice showed better results than the runners on almost every measure. They had less body fat and stronger insulin signaling in their muscles, meaning their bodies used sugar more efficiently. These improvements weren’t just from building muscle — they came from deeper changes in how the body handles energy.
The results add to growing evidence that lifting weights is key for metabolic health. While both running and strength training help regulate blood sugar, resistance exercise may do a better job targeting fat and improving insulin response. For people who don’t enjoy long cardio workouts, weight training could be a strong alternative. Experts say the best results come from combining both — strength and endurance — for full-body health.
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