Muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. As you build muscle through weight training, your basal metabolic rate (BMR) increases, leading to more calories burned even when you're not actively exercising.
Weight training helps shift the body composition towards a higher percentage of lean muscle mass and less fat. This contributes to a more toned and sculpted appearance.
Weight training sessions can continue to burn calories after you've finished exercising. This is known as the afterburn effect or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), where the body continues to consume oxygen and burn calories to restore itself to a pre-exercise state.
Resistance training can enhance insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for blood sugar regulation. This can be particularly helpful for those at risk of or dealing with type 2 diabetes.
Regular weight training can improve the body's ability to oxidize fat, meaning it becomes more efficient at using fat as a source of energy during both rest and exercise.
Weight training can help regulate appetite hormones. Some studies suggest that resistance training may lead to better appetite control, making it easier to manage food intake and support weight loss efforts.
Weight training is beneficial for bone health as it increases bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. This is especially important for women, who are more prone to bone density loss with age.
Building strength through weight training enhances overall functional fitness. This can make daily activities easier and more enjoyable, promoting a more active lifestyle that supports weight loss.