title: [The importance of physical activity and fitness in avoiding the complications of obesity].
abstract: We have reviewed whether the complications of obesity can be attributed to low levels of physical activity and fitness, or if fatness per se has adverse effects on health. In both observational and interventional studies, fatness and inactivity seem to be independent risk factors. Abdominal obesity is a predictor of cardiovascular disease, which is independent of low fitness level, and obesity affects other risk factors adversely than inactivity does. However, physical activity does reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is concluded that both inactivity and obesity have an adverse effect on health.
authors.affiliation: H:S Institut for Sygdomsforebyggelse, Center for Sundhed og Samfund, H:S Hvidovre Hospital, Medicinsk-endokrinologisk Afdeling, og Den Kongelige Veterinaer- og Landbohøjskole, Frederiksberg, Levnedsmiddelcentret.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Berentzen
authors.forename: Sten
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Madsbad
authors.forename: Thorkild I A
authors.initials: TI
authors.lastname: Sørensen
authors.forename: Arne V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Astrup
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology; D015444:Exercise; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors