Department amd Internal Medicine, Hospital Eexercise, IDIBAPS, University Waist circumference and exercise benefits Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Weight and height were measured on a digital medical scale, and waist circumference was measured three times at the level of the umbilicus. For the average adult, this is about one calorie per every 2.

Waist circumference and exercise benefits -

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Sex-based differences in endurance exercise muscle metabolism: impact on exercise and nutritional strategies to optimize health and performance in women. Exp Physiol ; : — 9. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

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Volume Article Contents Abstract. Journal Article. Association of physical activity with body mass index, waist circumference and incidence of obesity in older adults. Gabriela Cárdenas Fuentes , Gabriela Cárdenas Fuentes. Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group CARIN , Epidemiology and Public Health Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute IMIM , Barcelona, Spain.

PhD Programme in Biomedicine, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universidad Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. Oxford Academic. Rowaedh Ahmed Bawaked. Miguel Ángel Martínez González. CIBEROBN Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.

Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine and IdiSNA Institute for Health Research , University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.

Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. Dolores Corella. Department of Epidemiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Isaac Subirana Cachinero. CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health CIBERESP , Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. Cardiovascular Epidemiology and Genetics Research Group, Epidemiology and Public Health Research Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute IMIM , Barcelona, Spain.

Jordi Salas-Salvadó. Human Nutrition Unit, University Hospital of Sant Joan de Reus, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, IISPV, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain.

Ramón Estruch. Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Lluis Serra-Majem. Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. Emilio Ros. Lipid Clinic, Endocrinology and Nutrition Service, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

José Lapetra Peralta. Department of Family Medicine, Distrito Sanitario Atención Primaria Sevilla, Centro de Salud San Pablo, Sevilla, Spain.

Miguel Fiol , Miguel Fiol. Institute of Health Sciences, University of Balearic Islands and Son Espases Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Javier Rekondo. Enrique Gómez-Gracia. Josep Antoni Tur Marí. Xavier Pinto Sala. Lipids and Vascular Risk Units, Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Bellvitge, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.

Nancy Babio. Carolina Ortega. José Alfredo Martínez. Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Physiology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain. Helmut Schröder. Correspondence: Helmut Schröder, Cardiovascular Risk and Nutrition Research Group CARIN , Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute IMIM , Dr.

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Abstract Background. P for. Men, n e BMI, body mass index was calculated dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters. f Adherence to the Mediterranean diet Score 0 indicates minimum adherence and score 14 maximum adherence. Open in new tab.

WC, cm. Model 1. Model 2. a Values are mean confidence interval. b BMI, body mass index was calculated dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of the height in meters.

General obesity b. Abdominal obesity c. a Values are hazard ratios confidence interval. c Abdominal obesity was defined by a waist circumference above 88 cm in women and above cm in men.

Key points. Google Scholar Crossref. Search ADS. These results are consistent with research showing a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome among adults with high aerobic fitness levels, even in those who were overweight or obese.

Note 8. Normal weight is a body mass index BMI of Overweight is a BMI of Return to note 1 referrer. One way that aerobic fitness is thought to be related to health among people who are overweight or obese is due to the effect of regular physical activity on excess body fat, particularly in the abdominal area.

Excess abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension. Note 19 Note 20 Note 21 As we saw above, a large waist circumference was the risk factor that was most significantly influenced by aerobic fitness rating.

It shows that even among overweight and obese adults, the percentage with large waist circumference was significantly lower for those with good, very good or excellent Note 22 aerobic fitness compared to those with an aerobic fitness rating of needs improvement or fair.

This is consistent with several studies reporting that an increase in physical activity and aerobic fitness resulted in a decrease in abdominal fat, even without overall weight loss or a change in BMI category.

Note 8 Note 23 Note 24 A decrease in body fat can have a positive influence on overall health and significantly reduce the risk of disease and death. Note 8 Note 23 Note Return to note 2 referrer. This study shows that in adults aged 20 to 59 with an aerobic fitness rating of good, very good or excellent, the percentage with selected health-related risk factors was lower than in their less fit counterparts.

While the benefit of higher aerobic fitness was observed for blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, the difference was greatest for large waist circumference, which may reflect the influence of physical activity and aerobic fitness on excess body fat, specifically abdominal fat.

The analysis also shows that even among adults classified as overweight or obese, aerobic fitness is related to a lower likelihood of having one or more risk factors. These findings underscore the importance of aerobic fitness in lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease and hypertension and thus may be useful in informing policy and programming aimed at improving the health of Canadians.

The Canadian Health Measures Survey CHMS is a cross-sectional survey conducted by Statistics Canada in partnership with Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Data were collected over a two-year collection cycle from a nationally representative sample of Canadians aged 6 to 79 in cycle 1 March to February and 3 to 79 in cycle 2 August to November The CHMS includes an in-home interview and a visit to a mobile clinic where physical measurements e.

For this study, data from cycles 1 and 2 of the CHMS were combined to increase the sample size. Each are described in more detail below. The aerobic fitness rating was determined from a submaximal exercise test called the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness test mCAFT.

Note 1 Note 12 Note 25 Note 26 The mCAFT is a moderate intensity exercise test that was performed by the respondents at the CHMS clinic. The score is then used to assign, based on their age and sex, one of the following aerobic fitness ratings:. Body mass index BMI was directly measured in the CHMS clinic following standard procedures.

For non-pregnant adults ages 18 and older, BMI was categorized according to cut-points recommended by Health Canada Note 19 and the World Health Organization Note 27 as follows:.

When interpreting BMI , it is important to note that it is not a direct measure of body fat. As a result, misclassification can occur among those with higher levels of fat-free mass e. For example, a person who is particularly muscular and therefore has a high fat-free mass might be categorized as overweight based on their BMI.

The health-related risk factors included in this analysis were directly measured at the CHMS clinic and include large waist circumference, high blood pressure, high triglycerides , low high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol and high blood sugar determined from blood glucose levels for fasted respondents or from glycated hemoglobin A1c from non-fasted respondents.

Using the cut-offs outlined in Table 1, respondents were classified as having at least one risk factor or having no risk factors.

Return to note 3 referrer. Return to note 4 referrer. If the respondent was fasted then the result for glucose was used. If the respondent was non-fasted, then the result for glycated hemoglobin A1c HbA1c was used.

HbA1c provides an average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. Return to note 5 referrer. Glucose is a type of sugar in the blood used as a source of energy for all body organs and functions. Glycated hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c is an indicator of the average levels of sugar in the blood during the previous two to three months.

Metabolic syndrome is present when a person has 3 or more of the health-related risk factors discussed in this article. Triglycerides are a type of fat that the body uses to produce energy.

They are the form in which most fat is stored in the body. Janine Clarke and Shirley Bryan are analysts with the Health Statistics Division at Statistics Canada.

For more statistics and analysis on the health of Canadians and the health care system, visit the Health in Canada module. This module is accessible from the Statistics Canada website , under Features. CANSIM Table Distribution of the household population by musculoskeletal fitness classification, by sex and age group CANSIM Table Distribution of the household population by adult body mass index BMI — Health Canada HC classification, by sex and age group.

Metrics details. Body mass index BMI is more commonly used than waist circumference as a measure of adiposity in clinical and research settings. The purpose of this study was to compare the associations of BMI and waist circumference with cardiorespiratory fitness.

Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed from estimated maximal O 2 uptake VO 2 max , as calculated from a maximal fitness test. Both men and women reported an average of 2. In women, the contribution of BMI to the level of VO 2 max in a regression model was greater, while in men waist circumference contributed more to the final model.

In these models, age, hours of training per week, and weekly caloric expenditure in sport activity, significantly associated with VO 2 max, while smoking did not. The differences observed between the sexes in the associations of BMI and waist circumference with VO 2 max support the clinical use of both obesity measures for assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Peer Review reports. Obesity is a well-documented risk factor for morbidity and mortality; however, the association between body fat and pathology has not been fully elucidated. Though body mass index BMI , calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, is the most common measure of obesity, it does not reflect body shape.

Moreover, it can be misleading, such as in individuals with a high proportion of lean muscle mass. Waist circumference, a more accurate measure of the distribution of body fat [ 1 ], has been shown to be more strongly associated with morbidity and mortality [ 1 — 3 ]. Associations between both BMI and waist circumference and disease risk factors have been shown to be sex dependent [ 5 ].

Increased physical fitness has been found to associate with reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality [ 6 , 7 ] and all-cause mortality [ 8 ]. By contributing to weight reduction and maintenance, physical activity also reduces morbidity and mortality risk indirectly. Recently, even incidental physical activity was shown to associate with cardiorespiratory fitness [ 9 ].

Increased BMI and waist circumference have both been associated with decreased cardiorespiratory fitness [ 10 ] and with obesity related metabolic abnormalities [ 11 ].

The purpose of the current study was to compare, in both men and women, associations of BMI and waist circumference, with cardiorespiratory fitness, as assessed by calculated VO 2 max, and to explore sex differences in these associations.

Subjects with chronic conditions that could interfere with physical activity: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stroke, malignancies, asthma, COPD, rheumatic diseases, or orthopedic problems, were excluded, as well as those on beta-blockers and other agents that would slow the heart rate and interfere with the fitness test.

After a brief explanation about the study and signing an informed consent form, each participant was measured by one surveyor for body weight, height, and waist circumference.

Weight and height were measured on a digital medical scale, and waist circumference was measured three times at the level of the umbilicus. Subjects filled in the Periodic Examination Health Survey questionnaire, comprising information on: age, sex, smoking habits by current smokers and non smokers , and routine sports related physical activity habits number, duration, and type of physical activity training per week , and nutritional information adherence to a certain diet, body weight changes over the previous year, and receiving of nutritional consulting.

This information was reviewed for accuracy together with the examinee during a short personal interview conducted immediately before or after the fitness test by one interviewer.

Weekly caloric expenditure for physical activity was calculated as the product of: the number of training sessions per week, duration of exercise, exercise intensity according to type of physical activity [ 12 ], and body weight. The response rate was All participants performed a maximal fitness test according to the Bruce protocol.

All statistical analyses were carried out using EXCEL and SPSS versions An adjusted multivariate linear regression model was calculated to examine the association between VO 2 max and BMI and between VO 2 max and waist circumference.

Tests for detecting multicollinearity in the multivariate linear regressions were performed. The interactions between obesity indexes and VO 2 max were tested in both sexes and described graphically.

Differences between the sexes were statistically significant for BMI, waist circumference, weekly caloric expenditure in physical activity, and VO 2 max. The interaction between obesity indexes BMI and waist circumference and cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by calculated VO 2 max.

A: The interaction between BMI and VO 2 max in men and women. R 2 - a measure of goodness-of-fit in linear regression. B: The interaction between waist circumference and VO 2 max in men and women. After ruling out multicolinearity between BMI and waist circumference both were entered into the linear regression models.

The implication is that a person who smokes will have better cardiorespiratory fitness than a person who does not smoke, if all other variables are equal, including the amount of weekly training and caloric expenditure.

We note also that increased weekly training associated negatively with cardiorespiratory fitness for both men and women.

The implication is that a person who invests more time in physical activity per week will have poorer cardiorespiratory fitness than a person who invests less time, if all other variables are equal, including weekly caloric expenditure.

In this cross- sectional study associations between two obesity indexes BMI and waist circumference and between cardiorespiratory fitness, as measured by calculated VO 2 max, were both stronger in women than in men. For men, the correlation between waist circumference and VO 2 max was stronger, with statistical significance, than the correlation between BMI and VO 2 max.

For women, while both correlations were higher than those for men, the correlation between BMI and VO 2 max was stronger than the correlation between waist circumference and VO 2 max, a difference not statistically significant.

Other studies have reported a wide range of values for correlations between BMI and VO 2 max [ 16 — 18 ], and between waist circumference and VO 2 max [ 16 , 17 , 19 ], with differences reported between the sexes. Cardiorespiratory fitness was negatively associated with obesity, a relationship that remained after adjustment for level of physical activity.

Physical activity levels were negatively associated with obesity in men, but not in women. In a cross sectional study that included young men only, the level of fitness was more closely associated with waist circumference than with BMI [ 21 ].

Similar to other findings [ 22 ], the correlations observed in the current study between waist circumference and BMI were high and statistically significant in both sexes.

Nevertheless, the differences found between BMI and waist circumference concur with the distinction between these two measures of obesity, as highlighted by the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey — There, when BMI was the measure of adiposity, In contrast, when waist circumference was the measure of adiposity, only Evidently, both adipose measures associate only partially, and differently, with metabolic normalcy.

In the current study, age, hours of training per week and caloric expenditure in sport activity per week, were highly associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in both men and women.

Nevertheless, the linear regression models presented suggest that the preferred obesity index is different in men and women, and that BMI may better indicate cardiorespiratory fitness for women, and waist circumference for men. The R 2 values for the statistical models of approximately 0.

Analysis of the regression models showed VO 2 max to be associated positively with weekly caloric expenditure, yet negatively with the weekly number of hours of physical activity for the same caloric expenditure. The upshot is that, for the same caloric expenditure, engagement in more hours per week of physical activity is associated with a lower fitness level than engagement in fewer hours i.

at greater intensity. This applies to men and women, highlighting the importance of intensity of physical activity for maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness for both sexes.

We assume that similar investigation of athletes would reveal positive coefficients for both caloric expenditure and hours of activity, since their activity level is usually intense, and the level of intensity is not generally related to the duration of activity.

According to a literature review, when total energy expenditure of exercise is held constant, exercise performed at vigorous intensity conveys greater cardioprotective benefit than exercise at moderate intensity [ 24 ]. The lack of a statistically significant association between smoking and cardiorespiratory fitness observed in the current study contrasts with a previous report of a negative association between smoking and physical fitness, as assessed by VO 2 max [ 25 ].

However, our lack of information on smoking history is a limitation that raises the possibility of reverse causality. Past smokers, classified here as nonsmokers, may have quit smoking due to a poorer health profile, and may thus show poorer physical fitness.

Moreover, it is conceivable that had we divided the participants by the number of cigarettes smoked per day, we would have found an association between smoking and physical fitness.

The differences we found between the sexes in associations of waist circumference with VO 2 max support the clinical use of this measure, in addition to BMI, for assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Our findings support the stronger negative association observed in young adult men, between cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference, compared to BMI, in the Finnish Defense Force [ 21 ]. Waist circumference measurement is rapid, inexpensive, and easily performed.

However, despite the inclusion of waist circumference as a key diagnostic criterion for the metabolic syndrome [ 27 , 28 ], a uniformly accepted protocol for its measurement has not been established. Nevertheless, the high variability in location of measurement site [ 29 ] was not found to have considerable effect on associations of waist circumference with cardiovascular risk factors and mortality [ 29 , 30 ].

While waist circumference, and not BMI, reflects fat distribution, neither waist circumference nor BMI measures body tissue composition. Men and women differ considerably in fat proportion, as well as distribution.

Sex-related differences, which are readily apparent in normal-weight men and women, may predispose to a spectrum of fat distribution phenotypes with obesity [ 31 ]. Sex-based differences in fat distribution may explain differences between the sexes in VO 2 max, as well as differences between obesity indexes.

Proctor et al. They suggested expressing VO 2 max per unit of fat free mass when comparing the cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with different body sizes and composition [ 32 ].

Participants of the current study are of Caucasian ethnicity. Thus, the current targets for BMI and waist circumference, which were derived from studies of predominantly white and European populations, were appropriate.

However, the applicability of these targets to other populations has been questioned [ 33 , 34 ]. Further, contrary to BMI, waist circumference is independent of height.

At present, studies examining circumference-height associations are inconsistent in their conclusions [ 35 ]. In this study we showed that associations between obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness are dependent on sex, and on the anthropometric measure used.

Though a meta-analysis found BMI and waist circumference to be associated similarly to incident diabetes, most of the studies included did not analyze men and women separately, and some did not even adjust for sex [ 36 ]. A recent review reported a stronger association of measures of central obesity than BMI to diabetes, but similar associations to other cardiovascular risk factors, namely, hypertension and dyslipidemia [ 37 ].

However, the authors concluded that the cross-sectional design of the studies, as well as the lack of analysis by sex, limit generalizability of their conclusions.

Xnd, belly benfits may Waist circumference and exercise benefits Wist most dangerous kind of body fat, increasing risk for heart benefifs, type 2 diabetes and other Waist circumference and exercise benefits medical conditions. To address circumferende issue, Coenzyme Q and wound healing tested the impact circmference both low- and high-intensity exercise on waist size. Published in Circumferencr Annals of Internal Medicinethis study assigned adults with abdominal obesity to exercise five times a week over a six-month period. The only difference was that participants were randomly chosen to exercise at varying intensities, ranging from low intensity walking to high intensity running. After analysis, researchers found that all exercise groups experienced similar weight loss and reductions in waist size compared to individuals who were not physically active. However, high-intensity exercise was the only type of physical activity that improved blood sugar levels and significantly improved physical fitness.

Waist circumference and exercise benefits -

Cardiorespiratory fitness was negatively associated with obesity, a relationship that remained after adjustment for level of physical activity. Physical activity levels were negatively associated with obesity in men, but not in women. In a cross sectional study that included young men only, the level of fitness was more closely associated with waist circumference than with BMI [ 21 ].

Similar to other findings [ 22 ], the correlations observed in the current study between waist circumference and BMI were high and statistically significant in both sexes.

Nevertheless, the differences found between BMI and waist circumference concur with the distinction between these two measures of obesity, as highlighted by the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey — There, when BMI was the measure of adiposity, In contrast, when waist circumference was the measure of adiposity, only Evidently, both adipose measures associate only partially, and differently, with metabolic normalcy.

In the current study, age, hours of training per week and caloric expenditure in sport activity per week, were highly associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in both men and women. Nevertheless, the linear regression models presented suggest that the preferred obesity index is different in men and women, and that BMI may better indicate cardiorespiratory fitness for women, and waist circumference for men.

The R 2 values for the statistical models of approximately 0. Analysis of the regression models showed VO 2 max to be associated positively with weekly caloric expenditure, yet negatively with the weekly number of hours of physical activity for the same caloric expenditure.

The upshot is that, for the same caloric expenditure, engagement in more hours per week of physical activity is associated with a lower fitness level than engagement in fewer hours i. at greater intensity. This applies to men and women, highlighting the importance of intensity of physical activity for maintenance of cardiorespiratory fitness for both sexes.

We assume that similar investigation of athletes would reveal positive coefficients for both caloric expenditure and hours of activity, since their activity level is usually intense, and the level of intensity is not generally related to the duration of activity.

According to a literature review, when total energy expenditure of exercise is held constant, exercise performed at vigorous intensity conveys greater cardioprotective benefit than exercise at moderate intensity [ 24 ].

The lack of a statistically significant association between smoking and cardiorespiratory fitness observed in the current study contrasts with a previous report of a negative association between smoking and physical fitness, as assessed by VO 2 max [ 25 ].

However, our lack of information on smoking history is a limitation that raises the possibility of reverse causality. Past smokers, classified here as nonsmokers, may have quit smoking due to a poorer health profile, and may thus show poorer physical fitness.

Moreover, it is conceivable that had we divided the participants by the number of cigarettes smoked per day, we would have found an association between smoking and physical fitness. The differences we found between the sexes in associations of waist circumference with VO 2 max support the clinical use of this measure, in addition to BMI, for assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness.

Our findings support the stronger negative association observed in young adult men, between cardiorespiratory fitness and waist circumference, compared to BMI, in the Finnish Defense Force [ 21 ].

Waist circumference measurement is rapid, inexpensive, and easily performed. However, despite the inclusion of waist circumference as a key diagnostic criterion for the metabolic syndrome [ 27 , 28 ], a uniformly accepted protocol for its measurement has not been established.

Nevertheless, the high variability in location of measurement site [ 29 ] was not found to have considerable effect on associations of waist circumference with cardiovascular risk factors and mortality [ 29 , 30 ]. While waist circumference, and not BMI, reflects fat distribution, neither waist circumference nor BMI measures body tissue composition.

Men and women differ considerably in fat proportion, as well as distribution. Sex-related differences, which are readily apparent in normal-weight men and women, may predispose to a spectrum of fat distribution phenotypes with obesity [ 31 ].

Sex-based differences in fat distribution may explain differences between the sexes in VO 2 max, as well as differences between obesity indexes. Proctor et al. They suggested expressing VO 2 max per unit of fat free mass when comparing the cardiorespiratory fitness of individuals with different body sizes and composition [ 32 ].

Participants of the current study are of Caucasian ethnicity. Thus, the current targets for BMI and waist circumference, which were derived from studies of predominantly white and European populations, were appropriate.

However, the applicability of these targets to other populations has been questioned [ 33 , 34 ]. Further, contrary to BMI, waist circumference is independent of height. At present, studies examining circumference-height associations are inconsistent in their conclusions [ 35 ]. In this study we showed that associations between obesity and cardiorespiratory fitness are dependent on sex, and on the anthropometric measure used.

Though a meta-analysis found BMI and waist circumference to be associated similarly to incident diabetes, most of the studies included did not analyze men and women separately, and some did not even adjust for sex [ 36 ].

A recent review reported a stronger association of measures of central obesity than BMI to diabetes, but similar associations to other cardiovascular risk factors, namely, hypertension and dyslipidemia [ 37 ]. However, the authors concluded that the cross-sectional design of the studies, as well as the lack of analysis by sex, limit generalizability of their conclusions.

Since the participants of the current study were healthy men and women, we do not know if our findings apply to people with chronic illnesses. Temporality of the relationship between obesity and physical fitness cannot be determined in the current study, due to its cross-sectional design.

Reverse causality can therefore not be excluded, ie. people with poor physical fitness may gain weight and become more obese. The complexity of the relationship between physical fitness and obesity is further highlighted by reports of their differential effects on different diseases.

In a systematic review, Fogelholm found the risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality to be lower in those with high BMI and good aerobic fitness than in those with normal BMI and poor fitness. In contrast, the concomitance of a high BMI with high physical activity level was associated with a greater risk for the incidence of type 2 diabetes and the prevalence of cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors than a concomitant normal BMI and low physical activity level [ 38 ].

The use of a calculated value for VO 2 max, rather than a direct measure, is a limitation of this study. The gold standard for measuring VO 2 max is by gas analysis during a maximal fitness test.

However, this is an expensive test that requires highly skilled operators and motivated subjects. Since this test is not usually practical, formulas that predict VO 2 max have been developed over the years. VO 2 max can be evaluated by means of a fitness test or by other methods [ 39 ].

The Bruce protocol assumes that maximum oxygen consumption can be evaluated by the duration of time a subject is able to walk or run on a treadmill. The test score is the time taken for the test, in minutes, which can then be converted to an estimated VO 2 max score [ 13 , 14 ]. In this study, both BMI and waist circumference were more strongly associated with VO 2 max in women than in men.

In healthy men waist circumference correlated more strongly with physical fitness as calculated by a maximal fitness test than the BMI, whereas in healthy women BMI correlated somewhat more strongly with physical fitness than waist circumference.

Our findings support previous ones of the need to measure waist circumference and not only BMI in clinical and research settings, as a means of better evaluating health status in both sexes. We emphasize the need to investigate men and women separately when studying obesity indexes and cardiorespiratory fitness.

Brown P: Waist circumference in primary care. Prim Care Diabetes. Article PubMed Google Scholar. Diabetes Care.

Eur J Clin Nutr. Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Cornier MA, Després JP, Davis N, et al: Assessing adiposity: a scientific statement from the American heart association.

Article CAS PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. The cooper center longitudinal study. J Am Coll Cardiol. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar. Gupta S, Rohatgi A, Ayers CR, et al: Cardiorespiratory fitness and classification of risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.

Sui X, LaMonte MJ, Laditka JN, et al: Cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity as mortality predictors in older adults. Ross R, McGuire KA: Incidental physical activity is positively associated with cardiorespiratory fitness.

Med Sci Sport Exerc. Article Google Scholar. Ross R, Katzmarzyk PT: Cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with diminished total and abdominal obesity independent of body mass index. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. Dobbelsteyn CJ, Joffres MR, MacLean DR, et al: A comparative evaluation of waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index as indicators of cardiovascular risk factors.

The Canadian heart health surveys. Durnin JV, Passmore R: Energy, Work and Leisure. Google Scholar. Foster C, Jackson AS, Pollock ML, Taylor MM, Hare J, Sennett SM, et al: Generalized equations for predicting functional capacity from treadmill performance.

Am Heart J. Pollock ML, Foster C, Schmidt D, et al: Comparative analysis of physiologic responses to three different maximal graded exercise test protocols in healthy women.

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More specifically, Lee, et al. Referring to the general population, Saris et al. Among formerly obese individuals, at least 60—90 minutes of moderate-intensity PA, or lesser amounts of vigorous-intensity PA per day, are necessary for the prevention of weight regain.

The evidence base leaves little room for doubt regarding the positive impact of PA on weight management. On the other hand, as outlined in the Introduction, unhealthy weight—in the sense of overweight and obesity—bears serious health consequences, representing a major public health issue.

Consequently, the present findings showing that PA may have a greater impact on subjective health than body weight confirm the improvement of PA as a public health priority. Increases in PA trigger a positive impact on weight management, whereas in parallel directly enhancing subjective well-being.

In other words, PA provides solutions for the major problem of overweight and obesity, while simultaneously making people feel better, and feel better about themselves. An additional point brought up by our findings is the need to encourage PA at levels higher than the recommended minimum.

The present results showed that health-enhancing PA was associated with significantly better subjective health, whereas the fulfillment of the PA recommendations seemed insufficient to positively influence subjective health.

In the same line, health-enhancing levels of PA, which are above the minimum recommended regarding both duration and intensity of PA i.

Strengths of this study are the originality of the research question and the rigorous care with which the study design and the data collection were executed. On the other hand, the cross-sectional nature of the findings prevents us from ascertaining the direction of causality in the associations.

Nevertheless, the cross-sectional observation of associations facilitates understanding and creates knowledge base for future research, likely representing the best way to identify associations worth of further—ideally longitudinal—scrutiny.

Another limitation includes that the potential influence of unidentified confounding factors such as smoking has not been taken into account in this study. Weight and height were self-reported, and there may have been a tendency to underreporting, especially for overweight and obese individuals.

It is however uncertain how this relates to subjective health reporting. Moreover, although the self-report nature of the PA data may present social desirability bias and recall problems, acknowledged advantages of PA questionnaires come from their ability to permit data collection from a large number of individuals at relatively low costs.

In addition, recent data show robust associations between objectively assessed moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA and good subjective health, independently from physical fitness.

As described in the Introduction, subjective well-being is a complex measure comprising physical, mental and social constructs, which can overlap with the concept of leading a physically active lifestyle. Future research should continue the work done in this study by examining the longitudinal impact of health-enhancing PA on subjective well-being, independently or directly, and through weight management.

Worthwhile endeavours would be also randomized controlled trials aimed at weight loss, the prevention of weight gain and the maintenance of healthy weight, where the differential contribution of dietary adjustments and PA would be explored.

This recommendation for future research entails a concern for the popularity of weight-loss programs that rely exclusively on dietary adjustments, while neglecting the tremendous impact of PA on weight, health and well-being.

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment.

The study was funded by the Federal Public Service of Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment. A strong positive association was found between PA and subjective health among Belgian adults.

A significant negative association was found between BMI and subjective health among Belgian adults. No significant association was found between WC and subjective health among Belgian adults.

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Advanced Search. Search Menu. Article Navigation. Close mobile search navigation Article Navigation. Volume Article Contents Abstract. Journal Article. Association of physical activity, waist circumference and body mass index with subjective health among Belgian adults.

Melinda Asztalos , Melinda Asztalos. Wytsmanstraat 14, Brussels, Belgium. Correspondence: Stefanie Vandevijvere, Department of Public Health and Surveillance, Scientific Institute of Public Health, J. Oxford Academic.

Inge Huybrechts. Elisabeth Temme. Herman Van Oyen. Stefanie Vandevijvere. PDF Split View Views. Select Format Select format.

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Abstract Background : The present study aimed to explore associations of physical activity PA , waist circumference WC and body mass index BMI with subjective health in a nationally representative sample of Belgian adults. Table 1 Composition of the sample regarding all variables included in the analyses.

MET: Metabolic Equivalent of Task. Open in new tab. Table 2 Results of logistic regression analyses examining the relationship between subjective health a and different levels of waist circumference WC , BMI and physical activity PA in the total sample and distributed across gender groups.

WC, BMI and PA levels. Total sample. Normal WC b 1 b 1 b 1 b Borderline WC 0. PA: physical activity; BMI: body mass index; WC: waist circumference.

b: Reference category.

Stubborn fat Waaist on your waistline can impact your self-image, exxercise dress size, and your health. Waist circumference and exercise benefits your waist size beneftis give you more Waist circumference and exercise benefits and lessen Traditional medicine practitioners risk of certain health bensfits, including heart disease and diabetes. Carrying weight around your midsection is also linked to higher mortality rates. Whittling down your eexrcise size can be especially challenging if your body naturally stores fat in that area, but there are many exercises and small diet adjustments you can try to make it easier. The idea that you can lose weight from only one part of your body without losing weight overall is a myth. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes volume 15Exerciae number: Cite this Cornmeal recipes. Metrics exerciss. The aim of Waist circumference and exercise benefits study was exrecise compare the effects of different aerobic exercise Waist circumference and exercise benefits and circumferenc expenditures on the body composition of sedentary obese college students in Taiwan. The aerobic exercise training program was conducted for 60 min per day on a treadmill 3 days per week for 12 weeks. All participant anthropometric data, blood biochemical parameters, and health-related physical fitness components were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. After week exercise intervention, the HITG and MITG had significantly more changes in body weight, waist circumference WCwaist-to-hip ratio WHRand waist-to-height ratio WHtR than the LITG.

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