Putting The Focus On Fitness, Not Weight
It may be better to be overweight and fit than to be slim and sedentary, according to a recent meta-analysis by researchers at the University of Virginia. After analyzing data from 398,716 adults, they found that cardiorespiratory fitness is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality than body-mass index (BMI). Specifically, fit people, regardless of BMI, had similar mortality risks, while sedentary people faced two to three times higher risks of dying.
Notably, obese but fit individuals had lower mortality risks than normal-weight unfit individuals. The researchers suggest shifting the focus from weight loss, which often leads to yo-yo dieting, to fitness, since even modest increases in daily physical activity, such as brisk walking, can significantly reduce mortality risk.
Try this recipe today: Tomato Red Pepper Salad Dressing
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