Exact time of day to walk for 30 minutes to boost weight loss efforts

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There's nothing like a brisk walk to blow away the cobwebs - and a daily stroll can also work wonders when it comes to shedding the pounds.

The benefits of getting your steps in are practically endless, from improved cardiovascular health, to stronger bones and better stamina. Best of all, you may even find a good walk boosts your mood, helping you to keep your mental health in check.

Unlike some more daunting exercises that leave you panting and longing for the sofa, walking is a fairly accessible activity for many. All you'll need is a determination to put one foot in front of the other, and ideally, a trusty brolly if you live in the UK.

Although walking may not seem particularly strenuous, it can be an excellent daily addition for those on a weight loss journey, and there's one time of day when you'll really reap the benefits...

In one enlightening episode of his podcast Just One Thing, health guru Dr Michael Mosley espoused the magic of an early morning walk, encouraging his listeners to give it a go for themselves. Dr Mosley explained that a walk early doors will help burn calories while helping you get into an optimum sleep routine - crucial for anyone on a fitness kick.

According to Dr Mosley: "As well as waking you up, bright outdoor light helps to reset your body clock, which in turn helps to regulate hunger, mood, body temperature and all sorts of other important bodily processes.

"Light levels outdoors are at least 10 times brighter than inside your house, and when this light hits sensors at the back of your eyes, this sends messages to a part of your brain called the pituitary gland, ordering it to stop producing the hormone melatonin."

Melatonin is known as the 'hormone of darkness' because rising levels in the evening help put you to sleep at night. Studies have shown strong links between poor sleep and weight gain, so maintaining a healthy snoozing schedule is crucial for shedding pounds."

The medic and author recommends walking for a minimum of 30 minutes to get the best results. If you're running short on time, however, a shorter walk can still make an impact. Dr Mosley continued: "As well as exposing you to lots of light, any walk - short, long, fast or slow - will strengthen muscles and bones, reduce joint and muscular pain, burn a few calories and increase energy levels."

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