Mixed
Being physically active (7.5+ MET-h/wk) and normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) is associated with a 7.2-year gain in life expectancy compared to being inactive and obese (BMI 35.0+).
To maximize your life expectancy, aim to be physically active (at least 7.5 MET-h/wk, or 150 minutes of brisk walking per week) and maintain a normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9). This combination is associated with a 7.2-year gain in life expectancy compared to being inactive and obese. Both factors are critical, and addressing both offers the greatest longevity benefit.
In joint analyses, being active (7.5+ MET-h/wk) and normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) was associated with a gain of 7.2 (95% CI: 6.5–7.9) y of life compared to being inactive (0 MET-h/wk) and obese (BMI 35.0+).
Why this rating
Large pooled cohort analysis with robust statistical modeling of joint categories.
Source
Leisure Time Physical Activity of Moderate to Vigorous Intensity and Mortality: A Large Pooled Cohort Analysis
Steven C. Moore et al. · PLoS Medicine · 2012
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1001335
More from this paper
- Engaging in leisure-time physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity (0.1–3.74 MET-h/wk, equivalent to up to 75 minutes of brisk walking per week) is associated with a 1.8-year gain in life expectancy after age 40 compared to no leisure-time activity.Strong
- Higher levels of leisure-time physical activity (up to 22.5+ MET-h/wk, equivalent to 450+ minutes of brisk walking per week) are associated with greater gains in life expectancy (4.5 years) compared to no activity, with diminishing returns at the highest levels.Strong
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