6 Sports that help you lose weight and 2 that don't

In 2015, researchers confirmed in the journal Nature that genetics form the most influential factor when it comes to being overweight or obese. Genetics are more important than diet or exercise.

Based on this argument, the University of Taiwan has conducted research to determine which activities can help limit or prevent the chronic disease of obesity.

The research, conducted with 18,000 persons between the ages of 30 and 70, has been published in the journal PLoS Genetics. It reveals which 6 sports are most effective for those who are prone to being overweight. It also mentions the 2 least useful sports in this sense.

According to the study, jogging is the best way to control obesity.

The main idea of jogging is that the person performs a running modality over a long distance, at a slow and - above all - constant pace.

Before going jogging, it is necessary to warm up all the muscle groups involved in the activity, especially the lower body. It is also very important to stay well hydrated before and after the activity. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes with good cushioning to avoid overloading your muscles.

Following jogging, mountain biking is also a great activity to control obesity.

This risky sport is carried out in natural circuits, usually through forests with steep slopes and very fast descents.

In order to practice mountain biking it is essential to have a suitable bicycle to go through these terrains. In addition, it is necessary that the cyclist wears clothing that protects them along the way. For example, a helmet, shoes that fit perfectly to the pedals, and cycling gloves.

Hiking is also a very effective sport for those who are prone to obesity.

When going out on hiking trails, one must be well equipped to endure the journey. In your backpack have to be large amounts of water, food, energy bars, a flashlight, and sunscreen, among other things.

In addition, hiking brings a person closer to the natural environment, so it is a perfect symbiosis between sport and nature.

Yoga is another effective activity to control obesity. This Indian sport is associated with different meditation practices in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.

The result of this practice is physical as well as mental well-being, as it achieves a perception of the 'spiritual self' and the union of the individual soul with divinity.

Although yoga is usually associated with impossible postures, it is really a sport that can be practiced by anyone. Yoga adapts to you, not you to yoga. In addition, there are between 30 and 40 different forms of yoga, so it's easy to find the best form for you.

Dance, in all its multiple forms and styles, is another of the most useful practices to avoid being overweight or obese.

It is a sport that requires a lot of discipline on the part of those who practice it. In addition, the challenge to dance in styles very different from each other makes the sport attractive and fun.

This sport is also included in the list of activities that help control overweight and obesity.

Race walking is an athletic discipline in which we try to walk as fast as possible, but without running.

As we've already seen, the study reveals that jogging, mountain biking, hiking, dancing, race walking, and yoga are the best sports for people who are genetically prone to obesity. The reason? These sports reduce the body mass index (BMI).

According to the study, the ideal practice is to perform these activities regularly, at least three times a week and for more than 30 minutes.

The University of Taiwan's research also found sports that do not counter the effects of genetics on obesity. These sports include stretching and swimming.

Although we have been told countless times that swimming is the most complete sport because it is an aerobic exercise in which two thirds of the muscles of the body are involved, the truth is that swimming does not seem to help avoid the effects of genetics on obesity.

The reason that swimming is not effective in this sense, is because the sport stimulates the appetite. This is a major drawback for practitioners looking to control their body weight.

Stretching isn't helpful in controlling obesity because it's a much less energy-consuming activity. If you like to stretch, then do it before and after one of the recommended activities: hiking, jogging, race walking, dancing, yoga, or mountain biking.

So, ready to get the most out of your sports routine?