How do different exercises target blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol?

• Previous research suggests that people can manage metabolic syndrome by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as being physically active.
• A new study compared 10 types of exercise, including yoga, resistance training, and tai chi, to determine which was most effective for treating metabolic syndrome.
• The researchers found that the most effective type of exercise varies and depends on the specific areas of metabolic syndrome that people are looking to improve.

Researchers estimate that between 25-31% of the world’s population lives with metabolic syndrome — a group of risk factors that can potentially increase a person’s risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Previous research suggests that people can manage metabolic syndrome by making healthy lifestyle choices. Additionally, healthy lifestyle choices such as following a healthy diet, not smoking, managing stress, getting enough sleep, losing weight, and being physically active have been shown to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

Now, a new study published in the journal iScience says that no single type of exercise is best for treating metabolic syndrome.

Instead, scientists say, the most effective solution is to find exercises that treat the specific areas of metabolic syndrome you’re looking to improve.