Forget the Scale. Here’s the Key to Longevity.
Obesity is Public Enemy #1 in the health world. It’s linked to a list of ailments like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, GERD, osteoarthritis, and cancer. But if you want to live longer, focusing on weight loss isn’t enough. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, a new analysis of 20 studies – nearly 400,000 folks – found that fitness, not weight, is the real game-changer.
In fact, a VO2 peak exercise test turned out to be a better predictor of mortality than BMI (Body Mass Index). And people with extra poundage but brimming with fitness had a lower risk of death than their thin, couch-potato peers. So what’s today’s lesson, class? Get off your arse and move your body. Fitness, not the number on the scale, might just be the key to a longer life.
Image: Mehdi Hasan/Vecteezy
Medical Disclaimer: Heads up, gang. The information expressed here is not to be mistaken for medical advice. It’s merely a morsel of education for you to chew on, like a mental snack. If it sparks your interest, talk to a trusted health practitioner. It isn’t meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And if you’re dealing with a medical emergency, good God, man, call 911 ASAP.
