Exercise ‘lowers the risk of a heart attack or stroke’ — even among very fat people
Overweight people who spent four hours a day cycling, walking to the shops or doing housework were at no greater risk of cardiovascular disease — and losing weight could be bad
KEEPING fit lowers the risk of a heart attack or stroke — even among very fat people.
Scientists say the benefits of exercise outweigh the dangers of obesity in the middle-aged and elderly.
They found overweight people who spent four hours a day cycling, walking to the shops or doing housework were at no greater risk of cardiovascular disease than active people with a normal weight.
But fatties who moved less — peaking at two hours a day — had up to 35 per cent higher chance of heart attack or stroke.
A Dutch team monitored 5,344 people, aged 55 to 97, over 15 years.
They monitored them for 15 years, during which time 16 per cent suffered a heart attack or stroke.
Researchers say slimming down may even be harmful.
Dr Klodian Dhana said: “Overweight and obesity is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and it is recommended to lose weight.
“But in the elderly this is slightly different because weight loss, especially unintentional, is associated with muscle loss and death.
“We do not refute the risk associated with obesity in the general population even though we did not find it in this older group.
“BMI may not be the best way to measure adiposity risk in the elderly.”
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He added: “Our results show that physical activity plays a crucial role in the health of middle age to elderly people.
“Those who are overweight and obese without adequate physical activity are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
“People who engage in high levels of physical activity are protected from the harmful effects of adipose tissue on cardiovascular disease.
“This may be why we found that the beneficial impact of physical activity on cardiovascular disease outweighs the negative impact of BMI.
“Any physical activity is positive for cardiovascular health and in elderly people of all weights walking, biking and housework are good ways to keep moving.”
UK guidelines suggest 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity.
But Prof Jeremy Pearson, of the British Heart Foundation, warned: “This is no excuse to ignore your waistline.
“The safest bet in lowering your risk of heart disease is to pay attention to a range of factors including your weight, the amount of physical activity you do and the quality of your diet.”
The study is published the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.