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Exercise Can Lower Heart Risk in Overweight Women
(April 29, 2008) - If you want to lower your heart risks (Read about "Heart Risks"), then it's a good idea to get out and exercise. A new study says that goes for just about everyone, including people who are overweight. The study, in the Archives of Internal Medicine, says that the risk of heart disease in women associated with being overweight or obese (Read about "Obesity") is reduced, but not eliminated by higher levels of physical activity.
Both obesity and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease, according to background information in the article. "Obesity is recognized as a major public health issue owing to its dramatically rising prevalence and deleterious impact on many chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease," the authors write. (link to h14) "In addition, the majority of Americans are inactive and not meeting the Surgeon General's goal for adequate physical activity."
Researchers studied the interaction between these two risk factors in 38,987 women who were participants in the recently completed Women's Health Study. At the beginning of the study in 1992, the women reported their height and weight (used to calculate their body mass index or BMI), the average time per week spent performing physical activities, other health habits and medical history. (Read about "BMI") They were then followed for an average of 10.9 years and completed regular follow-up questionnaires about heart events and risk factors.
At the beginning of the study, 34 percent of women were considered physically active based on the Surgeon General's guidelines, 31 percent were overweight and 18 percent were obese. During the follow-up period, 948 women developed coronary heart disease. Both BMI and physical activity were individually associated with the risk of heart disease. Risk was lowest for women of normal weight who were active, slightly higher for women of normal weight who were inactive, higher still for women who were overweight or obese and active, and highest for women who were overweight or obese and inactive.
Physical activity did not eliminate the negative effects of being overweight. "Even high quantities of physical activity are unlikely to fully reverse the risk of coronary heart disease in overweight and obese women without concurrent weight loss," the authors conclude.
Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.
All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.
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