According to the American Heart Association, from the journal Circulation, improved fitness is linked to reduce mortality regardless of BMI.
Men who maintain or improve their cardiorespiratory fitness have lower mortality risks than those who become less fit — regardless of changes in BMI — a Circulation study finds.
Some 14,000 men underwent clinical exams at baseline (mean age, 44) and again roughly 6 years later. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured in metabolic equivalents (METs) during both exams, and mortality was assessed until 11 years after the last examination.
Among the findings:
The authors conclude: "The long-term effect of fitness change, primarily resulting from increasing physical activity, is likely to be at least as important as weight loss for reducing premature mortality."
Men who maintain or improve their cardiorespiratory fitness have lower mortality risks than those who become less fit — regardless of changes in BMI — a Circulation study finds.
Some 14,000 men underwent clinical exams at baseline (mean age, 44) and again roughly 6 years later. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured in metabolic equivalents (METs) during both exams, and mortality was assessed until 11 years after the last examination.
Among the findings:
- Maintaining or improving cardiorespiratory fitness between the two exams conferred lower mortality risk, even after controlling for BMI changes.
- For each 1-MET increase in fitness, the risks for all-cause and CVD mortality dropped by 15% and 19%, respectively.
- BMI changes did not independently predict mortality.
The authors conclude: "The long-term effect of fitness change, primarily resulting from increasing physical activity, is likely to be at least as important as weight loss for reducing premature mortality."
