Fit Fact: Fit people live longer regardless of body fat
In a study published in the December issue of JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), researchers took on this issue and decided to find out how important fitness level is, as opposed to body fat levels, when it comes to mortality. What they found is actually pretty amazing. They followed more than 2000 seniors over a period of years and found that those who died sooner had lower fitness levels and more cardiovascular risk factors than survivors. But, what was interesting was that there were no significant differences in the body fat levels between decedents and survivors.
They concluded that "[f]it people who are obese have a lower risk for mortality than unfit, normal weight people" and that fitness plays a significant role in living longer.
So, what does this mean for you? First, this is just one study of a small group of people, so we do need more studies to support these findings. But, if this study is on the money, it means that daily exercise, even just a 30-minute walk, can help you live longer even if you don't lose weight. For some people, there's so much pressure to lose weight or grind through killer workouts, they avoid exercise altogether. But, moderate exercise really can make a difference. If you know that exercise could save your life some day, you might be more motivated to make it a regular part of your life. You can learn more about how to get started in Exercise for Beginners.
Sources
Xuemei Sui, MD, et al. Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Adiposity as Mortality Predictors in Older Adults. JAMA. 2007;298(21):2507-2516.
Comments
not to sound rude, but how can an obese person be considered “fit”?
Ditto, Ryan. Most obese people can’t get motivated to walk or exercise.
I weigh over 200 lbs. walk my dogs daily for an hour, do yoga every morning, restance training 3 tmes a week and bowl on a league. My heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol are better than most women half my weght. love cookies and I indulge in good food. Fit bay fat, Baby. I also do some modeling.
Winston Churchill was healthy and Jim Fixx was fit. Mr. Fixx’s heart gave out and Mr. Churchill lived to be an old man. I second that, Patti!!!
Walking, stretching and bowling are activities any person should be capable of doing, not indications of a person being fit. The article also refers to body fat percentage not weight in pounds. An individual can weigh very little, but have a high bf % which would make them unhealthy. Conversely, a person can weigh a lot (muscle weighs more than fat) and have very low bf % making them healthy.
just some thoughts…
Obese people are obese cause they overeat and underexercise. both are unhealthy habits and are self control issues. get over it, you need to watch what you eat and exercise, drive on the right side of the road, and look both ways before you cross. Common sense stuff.
I’m obese by BMI. I exercise everyday & I’m trying to lose weight. My blood pressure is normal. I’m an active person. I’m still considered obese.
I like the fact that she says “even moderate exercise” every day can make a difference. A statement like that is motivating. A bowling league is considered exercise and so is house work. In my opinion, anything that gets you off your rear and off the sofa would be considered exercise and would be good for you.
Good for you Patti. My friends and I have been working out together for 2years. We do aerobics, Step,and Fitball twice a week, we go to Yoga (Not just stretching)once a week, and inbetween walk dogs and work. We are the Fat But Fit club and proud of it.
Lesley
Exercise and eating right will indeed have a weight-loss result over time…however, the effects of these two positive behaviors on other areas of overall fitness (BP, cholesterol, blood sugar, strength, stamina, etc.)take place much more quickly than weight loss, particularly in women. The same can be said for the quality of the food we put in our mouths. Perhaps Churchill lived longer because while he ate a lot, the food was natural, easily digestible and lacked a bunch of chemical additives from processing.
Thanks for this article Paige, it helps reiterate the way I feel about fitness. I am 5′5″ tall and weigh 178 lbs but can run circles around some of the thinner girls in my cardio classes. I do an hour of cardio everyday and then run a mile afterward and even though my bf index is at 26% I like the way my body looks and feel really fit for 44 years old! I’m sure I’ll have many more years of fitness to look forward to.