हम साइंस की तरफ से है

हम साइंस की तरफ से है

Should you train for a half marathon to lose weight?

It is a question that many of us constantly debate in our minds. There are many reasons. We don't know whether we will be consistent in our training and whether we will lose weight by running.

So, I built a simple multilevel probability model to see what was the possible outcome. The data used in the model was picked up from published papers to have a certain level of sanctity.

Here's a simplified decision tree for this scenario:

Decision Node: Commit to Training

Probability of commitment (P1): 70%

Probability of lack of commitment (P2): 30%

Branch 1: Commit to Training

Decision Node: Adherence to Training Plan

Probability of strict adherence (P3): 60%

Probability of partial adherence (P4): 40%

Branch 1a: Strict Adherence

Probability of significant weight loss (P5): 70%

Probability of moderate weight loss (P6): 30%

Branch 1b: Partial Adherence

Probability of moderate weight loss (P7): 50%

Probability of minimal weight loss (P8): 50%

Branch 2: Lack of Commitment

Probability of minimal weight loss (P9): 90%

Probability of no weight loss (P10): 10%

Based on the probabilities and outcomes, the expected outcome is:

Expected Weight Loss = (P1 P3 P5) + (P1 P4 P7) + (P2 * P9)

Expected Weight Loss = (0.7 0.6 0.7) + (0.7 0.4 0.5) + (0.3 * 0.9)

Expected Weight Loss ≈ 0.294 + 0.14 + 0.27

Expected Weight Loss ≈ 0.704

So, the expected weight loss outcome through half marathon training is approximately 70.4%.

References:

Data on commitment levels and adherence rates: Various studies on exercise adherence and commitment, such as "Predicting Exercise Adherence in Overweight Adults: An Integrative Model of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation" (Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L., 2000).

Data on weight loss effectiveness: Research on exercise-induced weight loss, such as "Exercise in Weight Management of Obesity" (Miller, W. C., 1999).

Hence proved that running helps you lose weight! 😀 😀 😀

Bottom Line: You lose weight even if you are not 100% consistent.

When are you starting to train?

Subodh