The Claim
Overweight and obese older adults exhibit a 10% increase in double-limb support time and a 6% decrease in single-limb support time during walking compared to normal-weight older adults.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Older adults who are overweight or obese spend more time with both feet on the ground and less time balancing on one foot while walking than older adults with normal weight.
See the scientific wording
Overweight and obese older adults spend 10% more time in double-limb support and 6% less time in single-limb support during walking than normal-weight older adults, which may reflect biomechanical adaptations to reduced strength-to-weight ratio or increased postural instability.
Carrying extra weight makes it harder to balance on one leg while walking, so the body spends more time with both feet on the ground to stay stable. This change increases the effort needed to move, because the muscles must work harder to support the heavier body and push off the ground, and breathing also takes more energy because the chest and belly are heavier. The body chooses this safer but less efficient walking pattern to avoid falling.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Excess Body Weight and Gait Influence Energy Cost of Walking in Older Adults
This study found that older adults who carry extra weight spend more time with both feet on the ground and less time balancing on one foot while walking — just like the claim says. This probably happens because it’s harder and less stable to stand on one leg when you’re heavier.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.