Fitness vs. fatness on all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis.
The purpose of this study was to quantify the joint association of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and weight status on mortality from all causes using meta-analytical methodology. Studies were included if they were (1) prospective, (2) objectively measured CRF and body mass index (BMI), and (3) jointly assessed CRF and BMI with all-cause mortality. Ten articles were included in the final analysis. Pooled hazard ratios were assessed for each comparison group (i.e. normal weight-unfit, overweight-unfit and -fit, and obese-unfit and -fit) using a random-effects model. Compared to normal weight-fit individuals, unfit individuals had twice the risk of mortality regardless of BMI. Overweight and obese-fit individuals had similar mortality risks as normal weight-fit individuals. Furthermore, the obesity paradox may not influence fit individuals. Researchers, clinicians, and public health officials should focus on physical activity and fitness-based interventions rather than weight-loss driven approaches to reduce mortality risk.
Health and Human Performance, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN. Electronic address: Vaughn.Barry@mtsu.edu.
Vaughn W
VW
Barry
Health Science, Saginaw Valley, State University, University Center, MI.
Meghan
M
Baruth
Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Michael W
MW
Beets
Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
J Larry
JL
Durstine
Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Jihong
J
Liu
Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC; Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.
Steven N
SN
Blair
D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002423:Cause of Death; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006334:Heart Function Tests; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000401:mortality* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D012016:Reference Values; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016019:Survival Analysis
All-cause mortality; BMI; Body mass index; CRF; Cardiorespiratory fitness; Fitness and fatness; Obesity paradox; PA; body mass index; cardiorespiratory fitness; physical activity