Weight loss of at least 7% of baseline body weight showed the most benefits.

The same applies to helping prevent heart disease.

But what about physical activity and weight loss for preventing cardiovascular events in people with diabetes?

a photo of a woman jogging outside

Photo:Getty Images

Do physical activity and weight loss have the same effect when factors are combined?

How Was the Study Conducted?

Participants included men (43.4%) and women of various races and ethnicities.

Researchers first looked at accelerometer data from the first four years of the study.

Researchers also looked at average weight loss during the first four years of the study.

What Did the Study Show?

It was the combination of physical activity with weight loss that significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events.

How Does This Apply to Real Life?

And the longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to have heart disease.

We also know that exercise, including strength training, can reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

And research supports the importance maintaining ahealthy weight to reduce the risk of diabetesand heart disease, too.

Its important to note that losing weight isnt something that just happens.