Sport and weight training reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension
Engaging in physical activity during leisure time can play a key role in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. A recent analysis conducted among Brazilian adults reveals that certain forms of exercise, particularly sports and weight training, are associated with a significant reduction in these health disorders.
The results show that people who actively or very actively participate in sports see their risk of diabetes drop significantly. A similar trend is observed for those who engage in weight training at a very high activity level. Regarding hypertension, weight training practitioners—whether lightly, moderately, or highly active—also exhibit a reduced risk. Athletes, even with insufficient activity levels, benefit from protection against this disease. In contrast, aerobic activities such as walking, running, or swimming, as well as gymnastics, do not appear to have a significant impact on the prevalence of these diseases, regardless of the level of practice.
This study highlights the importance of choosing suitable physical activities. Weight training, for example, improves glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, two essential factors in preventing diabetes. It also helps regulate blood pressure and improve body composition. Sports, often practiced in groups or competitive settings, encourage regular and sustained practice, which enhances their health benefits.
In Brazil, nearly half of adults are sedentary during their free time, while obesity and overweight affect a significant portion of the population. These conditions considerably increase the risks of diabetes and hypertension, both of which have been rising in recent years. Promoting activities like weight training, which is still not widely practiced, could therefore be an effective strategy to combat these public health issues.
Aerobic activities, although widely practiced, did not show a protective effect in this study. This could be explained by the diversity of practices grouped under this category, ranging from leisurely walking to intense running. This variability makes it difficult to establish a clear link between these exercises and the reduction of chronic diseases. Additionally, some individuals with diabetes or hypertension already engage in these activities to manage their condition, which may skew the results.
Gymnastics activities, on the other hand, are rarely practiced and often at insufficient levels to generate measurable health benefits. Their impact therefore remains limited in this analysis.
These observations underscore the importance of diversifying types of exercise and encouraging structured and regular practices. Muscle-strengthening activities, often overlooked in favor of aerobic exercises, deserve a central place in public health recommendations. Their ability to improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases makes them valuable allies for long-term well-being.
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About This Study
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-026-01815-5
Title: Association of leisure-time physical activity modality and level of practice with the prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure in Brazilian adults: a cross-sectional study
Journal: Sport Sciences for Health
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Authors: José Carlos Aragão-Santos; Thiago Ferreira de Sousa; Silvio Aparecido Fonseca; Karine Moraes Pereira; José Cazuza de Farias Junior; David Jimenez-Pavón