A new study has revealed that women experience greater benefits from exercise than men, even at lower amounts of physical activity. The research not only confirms previous findings that regular exercise can prolong life and reduce the risk of dying, but it also highlights the specific advantages that women gain from staying active.
The study, which analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey, examined the health benefits derived from physical activity. Researchers studied information from 412,413 adults between 1997 and 2017 to understand the impact of exercise on overall health.
Interestingly, the study found that men were more likely to engage in physical activity compared to women. However, it was discovered that women who regularly exercised had a 24% lower risk of dying from any cause compared to inactive women. On the other hand, physically active men had a 15% lower risk compared to their inactive counterparts.
The researchers further delved into the optimal amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, such as brisk walking or cycling, and found that around five hours per week provided the most significant benefits. However, even women who engaged in half that amount still experienced positive effects.
Dr. Susan Cheng, director of the Institute for Research on Healthy Aging in the Smidt Heart Institute and senior author of the study, expressed her excitement about the findings. She stated, “It turns out women can get a lot more return for even a little bit of investment than they might realize. [A] little bit can go a really long way.” Dr. Cheng emphasized that women could almost double the benefits compared to their male counterparts for the same amount of exercise.
The study also highlighted the advantages of muscle-strengthening activities for women. Women who engaged in activities like weightlifting or core exercises experienced a 19% reduction in mortality risk, while men only saw an 11% reduction.
Dr. Patricia Best, an interventional cardiologist and member of the Women’s Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic, praised the study for emphasizing the power of exercise for women. She noted that women have often been referred to cardiovascular rehabilitation less frequently than men, and this research reinforces the importance of exercise in women’s health.
Consistent with previous studies, both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities were associated with a lower risk of dying from heart-related diseases. Dr. Cheng advised individuals to be as active as possible, regardless of how busy they are, stating that “anything is better than nothing and more is better than less.”
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study highlights the unique benefits that women derive from exercise. Not only does regular physical activity prolong life and reduce the risk of dying, but it also provides even greater advantages for women compared to men, even at lower amounts of exercise. The findings serve as a reminder for women to prioritize their health and make time for physical activity, as even a little effort can go a long way in improving overall well-being.
