Nutrition Guidelines

Fitness

Physical Activity Cuts Risk of Mortality in Half

Slides of this study are available below.

Another study confirms the strong relationship between physical activity and survival¹. This study looked at the physical activity habits of 9136 Puerto Rican men for 12 years. They found that those men who were most active (top 25%) had 46% decrease in mortality from any cause compared to sedentary men (after adjusting for age).

This same protective relationship of physical activity was also observed in overweight and obese men. Over 1100 men were obese (BMI 30+). When you looked at the obese men who were most active, their mortality rate for the 12 years was 56% less than sedentary obese men.

These are amazing differences! These data show that regular physical activity is a strong predictor of survival, even in overweight individuals. If you can't get skinny, at least exercise regularly. You may cut your risk of dying in half in the next 12 years.

Reference

References
1. Carlos Crespo DrPH, et al. The relationship of physical activity and body weight with all-cause mortality, Annals of Epidemiology Nov 2002; 12:543-52

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Making Healthy Choices articles are written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES president of LifeLong Health with contributions from associated health professionals. Content is general health information from evidence based research. It's purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.

Updated: 7-14-03 DRH