Is Fitness Equally Protective for Overweight Men?

New research suggests even the fittest obese man may still die sooner than an unfit man of normal weight. These results came after researchers from Umea University analyzed health and fitness records of more than 1.3 million men.

Over the nearly 30-year study period, men in the highest-ranking fitness level as adolescents had a 51% lower risk of dying prematurely compared to those in the lowest.

Further, normal-weight men of any fitness level had an up to 48% lower risk of premature death than the fittest obese men. The researchers concluded, "the risk of early death was higher in fit obese individuals than in unfit normal-weight individuals."

You Will Still Benefit from Exercise If You're Overweight or Obese:

Even though the featured study found fit obese men may die sooner than unfit lean men, this in no way means you shouldn't bother exercising if you're carrying excess weight.

Research from scientists with the University of Cambridge found everyone in the study benefited from a modest increase in physical activity, regardless of whether they were normal weight, overweight or obese.

The researchers believe that increasing exercise is even more important than reducing obesity in terms of public health.

Any person who does not actively exercise, regardless of their weight, should consult their physician prior to starting any exercise program. The physician can advise the patient if there are any contraindications to rigorous exercise. This can also help determine the best initial activity level for a safe exercise program.

There is no point to start an exercise program full blast in order to increase your longevity, which results in a heart attack.

I have no idea why only men were included in this study? It is reasonable to assume that similar results would have been found if the study included both sexes, but what is reasonable does not always equal factual.

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