Question: I just read your article "Walking vs. Running for Weight Loss." You said if one wants to lose weight, it is better to walk for a longer time than to run the same distance. But I run for an hour at a time. If I walked, I would walk for only that hour, as that's all the time I have. So is it better for me to walk for that hour or run? I would rather walk, but I would think running is better.

Answer: All things being equal, you will burn more calories by running an hour than walking an hour. It is true that walking a mile will burn more calories than running a mile -- although it takes longer to do so. When you run a mile, you're burning mostly sugar, or carbohydrates, which is how your body gives you fast energy in bursts. When you walk a mile, it gives your metabolism time to switch from burning carbohydrates to burning fat.

The risk of injury -- whether shin splints or knee injuries or back pain -- is directly proportional to the intensity of exercise. So is the risk of sudden cardiac death. Walking gives you most of the health benefits of more

intensive exercise while minimizing these risks. More is better, but only if you do it consistently.

So, if you want to burn the maximum amount of calories, then run for an hour rather than walking for an hour. But do it consistently; otherwise, you're better of walking.

© 2001 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.