Are you overweight, but still engage in regular exercise? Even though you're physically active, those extra pounds might still be detrimental to your heart health, according to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. The study analyzed data from more than half a million adults who were sorted into groups by body weight. Forty-two percent of participants were normal weight, while 41 percent were overweight and 18 percent were obese. Researchers found that for all groups, exercise reduced risk for diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In other words, no matter your weight, exercise is a good idea.
But those protective effects dwindled for overweight and obese individuals, regardless of how much exercise they engaged in.
The bottom line: Exercise is a great idea for anyone at any body size, but if you're carrying some extra weight, talk to your doctor about a weight loss plan. Your heart will thank you.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
