A new review of 20 studies involving over 398,000 participants found that cardiorespiratory fitness is more closely linked to mortality risk than body weight. Researchers from the US and UK argue that a focus on exercise and physical activity may be more effective in reducing health risks than current public health strategies.
The study analyzed data on body mass index (BMI), cardiorespiratory fitness, and mortality risk, revealing that individuals with obesity who were fit had a similar early death risk to those with normal weight and high fitness levels. In fact, the study found that having obesity and being fit led to a longer life expectancy.
Experts emphasize that exercise is not just a means of burning calories but “medicine” for overall health. They note that repetitive cycles of weight loss and gain, known as yo-yo dieting, are associated with numerous health risks comparable to those of obesity itself.
The review’s authors suggest shifting public health strategies from weight loss methods to a focus on improving cardiorespiratory fitness. This approach could help avoid the adverse health effects associated with obesity and promote healthier lifestyles for people of all sizes.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/weight-isnt-the-ultimate-predictor-of-early-death-but-something-else-is