| Media Release | 16 November 2006 |
New Research Challenges Current Exercise Theories
Researchers in Texas have challenged the way we look at the health benefits of exercise, after discovering that being fit has a greater positive impact upon life expectancy, than being thin.
Previous studies have found that people who exercise live longer than people who don't. However, this new study challenges the theory that the reason people who exercise live longer is because exercise keeps people's weight down and protects against obesity-related diseases.
The study found that a person's fitness level has a significant impact on their chances of dying earlier, irrespective of how much excess body fat they're carrying. Specifically, the study showed that individuals who had the lowest fitness levels were 4.6 times more likely to die at any point than individuals with the best fitness levels. Hence, an overweight person who exercises regularly has a longer life expectancy than a thin person who is unfit.
The findings also challenge conventional thinking about judging the success of exercise programs primarily on the amount of weight lost.
Australian health and well-being expert Dr Adam Fraser, has praised the findings and agrees that people need to change their thinking about using exercise purely as a means to lose weight. "Just take a look at a specific disease, such as Diabetes, which is a huge problem around the world right now. People who have diabetes can reduce their blood glucose levels through exercise, even if there is no reduction in body fat, which shows that weight loss is not the only major benefit of exercise."
The key is to focus on regular, moderate exercise, rather than high intensity. "Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day. You want to be working hard enough to get you puffing and so it feels like an effort, but still just be able to hold a conversation" Dr Fraser recommends.
For more information or media enquires please contact Shaun Stenning on 0402 621 118 or shaun@officialdiabetesblog.com