Key points from article :
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine challenges the focus on weight as defined by body mass index (BMI) as a key measure of health. Instead, researchers argue that fitness, particularly heart and lung capacity, is a far better indicator of the risk of heart disease and mortality.
Co-authored by Dr. Siddhartha Angadi from the University of Virginia, the review analysed 20 studies involving nearly 400,000 adults across various countries. The findings revealed that fit individuals, regardless of BMI category, shared similar risks of death from heart disease. In contrast, unfit individuals were two to three times more likely to die from heart disease, even if they were of normal weight. Notably, obese but fit individuals had lower mortality risks compared to normal-weight but unfit individuals.
Dr. Angadi and his team suggest that improving fitness through regular exercise may be a more effective health strategy than weight loss alone. While obesity is associated with health risks like diabetes and heart disease, losing weight and maintaining it is often challenging. Co-author Glenn Gaesser noted that cycles of weight loss and regain carry health risks comparable to those of obesity itself.
To improve fitness, researchers recommend adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, paired with strength training. For those who are currently inactive, starting with light activities like brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can significantly boost fitness levels.
The study calls for further research to validate a fitness-focused approach to health, particularly for obese individuals, as an alternative to traditional weight-loss strategies.
