Fitness Not Fatness Is The Key To Longevity
A study published in the December 5th issue of the Journal of American Medical Association finds that when it comes to longevity, being physically fit is more important than keeping your weight down.
In the study, scientists found people who were overweight, but fit tended to outlive those who were leaner but not in good shape.
The researchers monitored the health of 2,603 adults age 60 or older between 1979 and 2001.
Fitness was tested using a treadmill, and fat was measured by body-mass index, waist size, and percentage of body fat.
Researchers found that regardless of weight, people who were fit were more than 50 percent less likely to die than those who were unfit.
The 450 people who died during the study tended to be older and have more cardiovascular risk factors than survivors. But there was virtually no difference in fat levels between those who lived and those who died.
People in the lowest 20 percent in terms of fitness had a death rate four times higher than those in the top 20 percent.
“Older individuals need to be concerned about their fitness level,” Steven Blair, a professor at the University of South Carolina who led the study, told Health Day News. “There is perhaps too much focus on bodyweight, and fitness is only an afterthought.”
Adding activity, even if it’s only 10 minutes of walking 3 times per day can make a difference. You may still be overweight, but you’ll be healthier.
Making changes in your diet such as adding fruits and vegetables along with avoiding saturated fats helps improve your overall health.
More than 1/3 of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, cardiac disease and certain types of cancer.
More than 1/2 of adults in the U.S. don’t exercise. Regular exercise reduces the chance of dying from coronary heart disease, lowers risk for stroke, decreases the chance of getting colon cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure, according to the CDC.
Although I got a late start, I’ve been a serious runner since 1994. I ran my first marathon in 1995 on my 30th Birthday. It’s been my goal to run the Boston Marathon since then. I missed qualifying by 12 minutes that year. I needed to run 3:40 and ran 3:52. Running in the most prestigious marathon, is the ultimate for most runners. The fact that you have to qualify, only fueled my competitive juices.
Over the next 9 years I ran 6 more marathons. I love running so much that I became a 
