Reduce Heart Failure with Weight Loss and Physical Acitivty
Posted: Sunday, January 31, 2010
by Lisa Nelson
Be Heart Healthy and Lose Weight
The Physician's Heart Study followed over 21,000 between the ages of 40 and 84 for over 20 years. They found a significant link between weight, activity, and heart failure I want to share with you.
Both weight and physical activity were independently linked to risk of heart failure. The study results below looked specifically at men.
Having a high body mass index (BMI) increased risk in both active and sedentary men. For every additional 7 pounds on a man 5 foot 10 inches tall, risk for heart failure increased 11%.
Physical Activity
Vigorous physical activity reduced risk in lean, overweight, and obese men. Men that exercised vigorously only one to three times a month reduced their heart failure risk 18%. The more frequent and vigorous the exercise the greater the benefit. Very active men, exercising vigorously five to seven days per week reduced heart failure risk 36%.
The combined risk of obesity and physical activity is substantial. When compared to lean men who were vigorously active one to three times each month risk of heart failure increased 19% for men that were lean (body mass index less than 25), but inactive, 49% in overweight active men, 78% in overweight inactive men, 168% in obese active men, and 293% in obese inactive men.
Key point I want you to take from this post:
This study shows a little activity has substantial benefits. By being vigorously active just one to three days each month you can cut your risk 18%.
Now, receive free heart health and weight loss tips from dietitian Lisa Nelson when you subscribe to The Heart of Health. Subscribers also receive access to the special report "How to Make Heart Healthy Changes into Lifelong Habits". Learn more at http://www.hearthealthmadeeasy.com.
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