Medical Reviewed by Shanmukha Priya, M.Phil and Ph.D. in Food Science and Nutrition

We all know that losing weight is a process that works on negative energy balance which means that you have to burn more calories than you consume, and fast running helps you achieve just that.

Slow running at a comfortable pace also helps but just in improving your metabolism and not in losing weight.

If you are looking at weight loss by running, you have to chalk a plan that is meticulous yet realistic and consistent. Intense workouts stimulate your body to burn more fat.

As a matter of fact, your body needs energy in huge quantity after the workout to carry out the recovery process and that is when you burn calories even after the workout is over.

Benefits of Weight Loss By Running1. Leads to Improvement in Metabolism

Running is considered one of the high-intensity workouts which keep the body in an accelerated state even when you are not running. This means your body is working to burn calories even when the exercise is finished.  

This leads to increased metabolic rate and keeps the body machinery at work even when you are doing activities other running or exercising.

2. Helps in Burning of Calories

When you are targeting weight loss by running, you end up burning calories in the exercise.

If you adopt a walk and run (as explained in our “Include Intervals in Your Run” section), your body is boosted in its ability to burn calories by being more reactive and dynamic in nature (since the heart falls and drops).  Another benefit of running is that it acts as an antidepressant and gives a feeling of liberation.

3. Preserves the Health of Your Heart

Running paves way for a healthier heart [3]. It keeps the cardiovascular system up and about. When you run, your heart rate increases which essentially puts the arteries and heart vessels to work, which keeps them healthy.

Going for a run regularly also helps in keeping ailments like high cholesterol and diabetes at bay.

4. Suppresses the Appetite thus Maintaining the Negative Energy Balance

What is it that you crave for after a long run? Yes… A tall glass of water… or any other fluid which is refreshing.

  It has been found that the brain automatically is inclined towards low calories foods rich in water content after a run because of the thirst experienced by the body.

This actually helps in maintaining the negative energy balance and helps undergo weight loss by running [4].

5. Gives Rise to Healthy Eating Habits 

So what are you waiting for? Slip on your running shoes, plug in some good music and go on your favourite terrain. Most runners have to say that they experience a liberating feeling when they run. So go out and see it for yourself.

It is one exercise that does not need any paraphernalia… no equipment, no memberships… just you, your shoes, your music, nature and yes… a whole lot of motivation.