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BHF - A healthy weight and physical activity perfect partners for your heart
A study involving nearly 15,000 men revealed maintaining or improving fitness levels was associated with a lower risk of dying, even if body weight increased or did not change.
Researchers also found that increased fitness, measured over a period of six years, was associated with a 19 per cent lower risk of heart and circulatory disease.
Doireann Maddock, BHF's Senior Cardiac Nurse, said: “The heart health benefits of physical activity are well known and this study highlights just how important it is to stay active.This research shouldn’t encourage anyone to ignore the importance of keeping to a healthy weight
“But this research certainly shouldn’t encourage anyone to ignore the importance of keeping to a healthy weight. If you’re overweight or obese you’ve a higher risk of developing heart disease, while excess weight around your waist has also been shown to be particularly bad for you.
“Why not have the best of both worlds by keeping to a healthy weight and aiming for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on at least five days a week.”
The study was published in the Circulation, a journal of the American Heart Association.
