Ann Intern Med

Weekend warrior-style physical activity patterns show benefit in adults with diabetes

July 24, 2025

Physical activity for 150+ minutes/week in 1-2 sessions (weekend warrior pattern) or 3+ sessions (regular activity pattern) were both associated with reduced all-cause mortality risks and reduced cardiovascular mortality hazards, compared with physically inactive controls, according to this prospective cohort study in adults with diabetes.

Study details. U.S. adults (N=51,650) with self-reported diabetes participating in the National Health Interview Survey (1997-2018) were categorized into groups based on sufficient or insufficient weekly moderate-to-severe physical activity (150 min/week) and number of weekly activity sessions (1-2 sessions/week were deemed weekend warrior; 3+ sessions/week were considered regular activity pattern). Median follow-up: 9.5 years.

Results. Those with any moderate to vigorous activity, even if less than 150+ minutes/week, saw significantly lower hazard ratios for all-cause mortality vs. inactive participants. Reductions seen were largely from cardiovascular mortality factors. For participants who reached 150+ minutes/week, those with weekend warrior patterns saw 21% reduced all-cause mortality risks and 33% reduced cardiovascular mortality hazards—while those with regularly active patterns saw 17% reduced all-cause mortality risks and 19% reduced cardiovascular mortality hazards—compared with physically inactive patients.

Source:

Wu Z, et al. (2025, July 22). Ann Intern Med. Association of Weekend Warrior and Other Physical Activity Patterns With Mortality Among Adults With Diabetes: A Cohort Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40690774/