Obesity is widely regarded as a significant factor in the risk of early death. However, a recent review reveals that cardiorespiratory fitness plays an even more crucial role in determining mortality risk and overall long-term health. While obesity is linked to numerous health issues, maintaining fitness is more essential than simply being ‘slim’ for longevity and sustained health, potentially prompting a reevaluation of public health strategies and treatments.
“As a society, we often equate body weight with health status,” comments kinesiologist Nathan Weeldryer from the University of Virginia. “Our study, the most comprehensive and globally representative to date, alongside advanced statistical analysis, seeks to shift perspectives regarding the relationship between fitness and body fat.”
Research teams from the US and the UK analyzed data from 20 studies published between 1980 and 2023, encompassing a sample of 398,716 participants. These studies examined body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness, and mortality risk. They discovered that individuals with obesity who are fit have a similar risk of early death as those of normal weight who are fit. Moreover, being fit with obesity can lead to a longer life compared to being of normal weight but unfit.
While fitness is not the only factor affecting health, its importance is underscored in the study findings, confirming earlier research linking fitness to reduced mortality risk. “Fitness trumps fatness in terms of reducing mortality risk,” states exercise physiologist Siddhartha Angadi from the University of Virginia. “Exercise is more than calorie burning; it’s a vital tool for optimizing health and reducing cardiovascular and all-cause death risks, irrespective of size.”
Despite acknowledging the health challenges posed by obesity, affecting approximately 1 in 8 people worldwide, the study encourages prioritizing exercise over weight loss methods. “Repetitive cycles of weight loss and gain, known as yo-yo dieting, pose health risks akin to obesity,” says exercise physiologist Glenn Gaesser from Arizona State University. “Enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness could help mitigate these adverse health impacts.”
The research findings are published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Vocabulary List:
- Obesity /əˈbiː.sɪ.ti/ (noun): A medical condition characterized by excessive body fat.
- Mortality /mɔːrˈtæl.ə.ti/ (noun): The state of being subject to death; death rate.
- Cardiorespiratory /ˌkɑːr.dioʊˈrɛs.pə.rə.tɔːr.i/ (adjective): Relating to the heart and the respiratory system.
- Longevity /lɒnˈdʒɛv.ɪ.ti/ (noun): Long duration of life.
- Mitigate /ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt/ (verb): To make less severe or serious.
- Adverse /ædˈvɜːrs/ (adjective): Preventing success or development; harmful.
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