Very Health Q&A Weight loss

Which one is better, swimming to lose weight vs running to lose weight?

Asked by:Amber

Asked on:Apr 16, 2026 03:29 PM

Answers:1 Views:525
  • Julia Julia

    Apr 16, 2026

      Which one is better, swimming to lose weight vs running to lose weight?

      Generally speaking, swimming is not as effective as running in overall weight loss.

      Comparing from the perspective of energy consumption, the same intensity ( heart rate ), both consume about the same amount of calories, with swimming slightly higher than running. However, because the body is stimulated by cold when swimming, it will protectively store fat to keep warm, resulting in a surge in appetite after exercise. Therefore, you need to suppress your excessive appetite after swimming, otherwise it will be difficult to achieve the effect of swimming to lose weight.

      No matter what kind of exercise you do to lose weight, as long as you persist, the weight loss effect will be very good. Running is mainly about losing weight in the lower body, while swimming is about muscle building in the whole body. It is recommended to run in the morning and swim at noon or afternoon. This can help you shape a muscle line very well. Even if you lose weight, you will be very toned. When losing weight, you must also pay attention to combining it with your diet. If the amount of food you eat is not controlled, you may gain weight no matter how much exercise you do.

      Who is suitable for swimming to lose weight?

      Swimming can reduce pressure on waist and knee joints. When swimming in the water, the water provides a certain amount of buoyancy for the human body. Our body's joints and knee joints do not need to receive impact from the ground. Swimming is more suitable for weight loss elderly , overweight people, and people who have had knee injuries.

      Eat properly to lose weight after swimming

      If you swim in cold water, people will feel hungrier and want to eat high-fat foods. If you want to lose weight by swimming, you must appropriately restrain your desire to eat high-fat foods. If you run to lose weight in warm weather, your body will sweat a lot and your body will be very hot and not want to eat too much food.

      You need to protect your ears when swimming to lose weight

      1. Have a physical examination before swimming. If there is cerumen in the external auditory canal, it should be removed, otherwise it will easily cause pain and inflammation after swelling. For people with otitis media, if the eardrum is perforated and dirty water enters the middle ear, the otitis media can be aggravated. Therefore, patients with otitis media must obtain permission from their doctor before swimming.

      2. When swimming, plug the external auditory canal tightly with absorbent cotton dipped in Vaseline oil for protection.

      3. After swimming, the accumulated water in the external auditory canal should be drained promptly. When draining water, tilt your head to the side where the water accumulates, and gently tap your head with the palm of your hand on the same side to drain the water. If there is itching in the ear, you can use 75% alcohol cotton to gently wipe the external auditory canal. It is forbidden to dig with your hands. If you feel pain in your ears, you should come to the hospital immediately Hospital Diagnosis and treatment.

      4. Pay attention to your posture and method when diving, and do not let your ears be directly hit by water to avoid eardrum trauma.