Going for a walk every day is a great way to burn some extra calories and new research suggests walking slowly could be the best way to burn fat.
A study suggested walking slower - but for longer - could help slimmers burn nearly three times as much fat.
A test carried out at the University of Michigan suggested walking at a slower pace, of "about 6,000 steps in 50 to 55 minutes", can give the best results. This could be particularly beneficial for older women.
Lead scientist Katarina Borer said: "Our bodies use different fuels at different speeds. Go gently, and the difference in fat burning is dramatic.
Walking slowly can speed up fat-burning results
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“The first goal for many older women is to get rid of that extra fat we put on as our hormones change.
"For that, walking more moderately has advantages. Especially if you’re someone who hasn’t exercised much lately. It has to do with how much oxygen is needed to burn fat."
She explained heavy workouts that leave slimmers feeling out of breath could in fact mean “we no longer have the ability to use fat".
The study was published in the National Library of Medicine and said "overweight" participants saw greater results when walking more slowly.
The study concluded: "Total body fat is lost through walking at all speeds, but the change is more rapid, clear and initially greater with slow walking in overweight subjects.
"A longer exercise impulse at a lower speed in our study initially produced greater total fat loss than a shorter one with fast walking speed."
Walking is a free, low-intensity way to add more movement into your day-to-day routine, therefore burning more calories.
Studies suggest the average person will burn around 270 calories an hour if walking at a moderate pace on a flat surface.
For those looking to tone a specific part of the body, GB News has shared a guide with the best exercises for toned legs.
Combining regular exercise with healthy eating is one of the best ways to slim down and a doctor shared an "incredibly good" diet plan.
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Walking is a great way to burn extra calories
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The Meditteranean diet is a great option for menopausal women trying to manage their weight, according to co-founder of The Fast 800 Dr Clare Bailey.
She said: "A Mediterranean-style diet, known worldwide to be the healthiest way of eating, includes olive oil, plenty of fruit, vegetables, oily fish, nuts and lots of fibre in terms of beans, lentils and pulses – which are all incredibly good for your gut health.
"In addition, this way of eating is well known to help reduce chronic inflammation in the body, which can be the cause of poor health."
