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Benjamin Committed To A Gym Routine And Lost 245 Pounds
Fitness, not fat, is what counts
Posted on Dec 8th 2007 9:00AM by Jacki DonaldsonI happen to be concerned with both my fitness and my fat as I strive for optimal health. But one is more important than the other, it seems.
When determining who will live longer, cardiovascular fitness is a better indicator than body fat, researchers say. A study of people over 60 found that those who died during a 12-year period of time had lower fitness levels. For those with similar body fat, the subjects who had better cardio ratings were more likely to survive. Overall, death rates for those with tip-top fitness were less than half of the rates of the unfit.
If nothing else, this study makes clear that it may be possible to reduce all-cause death rates among older adults, including those who are obese, by promoting regular physical activity. It can be as simple as brisk walking for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week. Fat or no fat, exercise is key.
