Subjective walking speed can serve as a simple predictor of metabolic health in obese individuals

Walking speed can provide insights into health beyond mere mobility, so much so that it is considered the “sixth vital sign.” Previous studies have suggested that slow walking speed is correlated with the development of cardiovascular disease and an increased risk of mortality in the elderly.

A recent study led by Prof. Kojiro Ishii of Doshisha University, in collaboration with Dr. Yukio Yamamoto, Dr. Kentaro Ikeue, Dr. Kan Oishi and Dr. Takaaki Mori of Doshisha University, Dr. Megumi Kanasaki of Takeda Hospital and Dr. Hajime Yamakage, Dr. Noriko Satoh-Asahara and Dr. Izuru Masuda of the National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, and performed in Kyoto, Japan. examined the association between subjective walking speed and the risk of metabolic diseases, especially in obese individuals.

The findings of the study, published in Scientific reports on November 15, 2024 suggest that assessing how someone perceives their walking pace compared to their peers could become an essential public health tool.

“This study clarified that even obese individuals, who are at higher risk for metabolic diseases, have a lower risk of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia if they report high subjective walking speed,” notes Prof. Ishii.

The study included 8,578 individuals with obesity (defined by body mass index), 9,626 individuals with a high waist circumference, and 6,742 individuals who met both criteria. Participants were asked a single question in a health questionnaire: “Is your walking speed faster than that of your age and gender?”

Based on their answers, they were categorized as ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ walkers. The results showed that individuals who identified as faster walkers had a significantly lower risk of diabetes (30% lower) and a smaller but notable reduction in the risk of hypertension and dyslipidemia.

“This questionnaire is included in a standardized protocol of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan,” explains Dr. Ishii out. “This allowed for quick and easy assessment without the need for specialist equipment.”

The simplicity and accessibility of this measure makes it ideal for application in clinical and public health settings. Subjective walking speed is self-reported and easily included in standard surveys, unlike objective walking speed, which requires resources, time, and space to assess. This is consistent with Japanese health screening guidelines, which emphasize screening for metabolic syndrome and obesity.

The researchers attributed their findings to the relationship between walking speed and overall health. Faster walkers often exhibit better cardiorespiratory fitness, which is associated with lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress – two major causes of metabolic disease.

According to the study, people who walk fast may be fitter and have a lower risk of metabolic diseases. In addition to lowering the risk of metabolic diseases, encouraging faster walking, even subjectively, could help prevent the ‘metabolic domino effect’ where obesity leads to lifestyle-related diseases. Obesity is the first step in this cascade, which then results in diseases such as dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Ishii emphasizes: “Promoting a faster walking pace may be beneficial for individual behavior to help prevent metabolic diseases, especially in obese people.”

Although cross-sectional and causality cannot be established, the study’s findings are consistent with previous research on walking pace and health outcomes. Future long-term research could validate these findings and investigate the precise processes behind the noted correlations.

Overall, the study highlights how subjective walking speed measurements can revolutionize the identification of high-risk individuals and help prevent metabolic disorders associated with obesity, especially when included in routine health screenings.

It turns out that a simple question like “Is your walking speed faster than that of your peers?” can provide life-saving insights.