Mixed
In overweight or obese men (BMI > 25), high levels of vigorous activity are associated with HRV levels similar to those of normal-weight men who do not engage in vigorous activity.
If you are overweight, engaging in vigorous activity can significantly improve your heart's autonomic function (HRV), bringing it in line with that of normal-weight people who don't exercise. However, it may not fully replace the benefits of having a lower BMI. Prioritize consistent activity for heart health, but recognize that weight management may offer additional autonomic advantages.
For men whose body mass index was >25 kg/m2, vigorous activity was associated with HRV levels similar to those for normal-weight men who engaged in no vigorous activity.
Why this rating
Large sample size and stratified analysis, but cross-sectional design limits causal inference regarding weight loss vs. activity effects.
Source
Effects of Moderate and Vigorous Physical Activity on Heart Rate Variability in a British Study of Civil Servants
K. L. Rennie · American Journal of Epidemiology · 2003
DOI 10.1093/aje/kwg120
Related findings · Mixed
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