Fitness, not fat, is what counts

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Dec 8th 2007 9:00AM

Categories: Healthy Habits, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness

I 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.

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Comments (2)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Chad Leader 12-09-2007 @ 11:32AM

Dozens of diseases and health issues can be directly related to being overfat. I don't believe in the word "overweight." A brisk walk or simple exercise for 30 minutes is great and of course better then nothing but I wouldn't want anyone to think: "hey, I can be as fat as I want as long as I get in 30 minutes of walking a day!"
A person would be better off performing resistance type training to build lean body tissue and thus increase their Resting metabolic Rate so that they burn more calories throughout the day and NIGHT. I own a business that proves resistance type training is usually a better way to become healthier. The key is to constantly progress and build leaner/stronger muscle over time. This doesn't mean build bigger muscles. Two to three hours of resistance type training and a couple of cardio sessions a week with a decent overall diet is the key to physical well-being.
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SkipG 12-09-2007 @ 2:54PM

I agree that you can be "over fat" and improve your fitness. Fitness is a relative term. The body will make improvements to the specific demands placed on it. If you are a couch potato, I 30 minute walk will improve your fitness. However, if you work out on a regular basis, the 30 minute walk is probably below your current fitness threshold, and you really will not gain that much benefit from it. The goal of the fitness program must also be considered. Is your goal to be stronger or is it to have greater endurance? Both goals could be considered "fit" but in a different sense.