It is repeatedly pointed out that normal weight keeps the risk of various diseases low. But not everyone succeeds in losing weight. Three cardiologists explain that exercise helps to significantly reduce the risk for the heart, even if you are overweight – even more so than losing weight.
A growing body of new studies are showing that the amount of physical activity is a much better predictor of long-term health than a person’s body mass index (BMI) or body fat percentage. Exercise improves heart health and fitness and can thereby prolong life: For example, a survey of 116,228 adults shows that an increase in physical activity accounts for most of the increased mortality and risk of death from cardiovascular disease in the following twelve years almost eliminated. This was true even if a person’s waist circumference had increased during that time.
Therefore, the three cardiologists Carl Lavie, Robert Ross and Ian Neeland do not believe that the focus on losing weight is justified and advise increasing the amount of physical activity rather than concentrating on losing weight. “This finding shows that exercise has health benefits even with little or no weight loss. The finding that the consequences of obesity can be significantly reduced through an active lifestyle and a healthy diet is encouraging. They emphasize that obesity is nevertheless a risk factor for health.