Can you be both fit and fat and still enjoy a longer life? Or is being overweight the ticket to an early death despite being fit and active? A study published in the December 5, 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that fit but fat adults over age 60 lived longer than unfit adults. The study suggests that the best way to live longer is to exercise more, regardless of your body size.
High Fitness Cuts Death Rate in Half
The research followed over 2,600 adults who were tested for fitness and body fat from 1979 for 2001. In the 12-year follow-up period, 450 of them had died. Those who died tended to be older, less fit, and had more cardiovascular risk factors. But it didn't matter whether they were thin, overweight, or obese. Death rates for those with higher fitness were less than half of the rates of those who were unfit.Whether You are Thin or Fat - Get Moving and Keep Moving
The study authors conclude that death rates for older adults can be reduced by regular exercise such as brisk walking for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week. Regular exercise can also help them enjoy life in better health.How Much Exercise Do You Need?
Exercise Guidelines for Adults Over 65: Not only should older adults get aerobic exercise such as brisk walking most days of the week, they should also add strength training, balance and flexibility exercise.
Source: Xuemei Sui; Michael J. LaMonte; James N. Laditka; James W. Hardin; Nancy Chase; Steven P. Hooker; Steven N. Blair. " Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Adiposity as Mortality Predictors in Older Adults." JAMA. 2007;298(21):2507-2516.
