Having a body mass index (BMI) in the overweight or obese range is associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, a systematic review concluded that cardiorespiratory fitness may be more important than BMI when it comes to dying from CVD. (Cardiorespiratory fitness refers to the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to the muscles during physical activity.)
The nearly 400,000 people in the 20 studies analyzed were classified as either “fit” (high cardiorespiratory fitness) or “unfit” (low cardiorespiratory fitness). Compared to fit individuals in the “normal weight” BMI range, being unfit was associated with a CVD mortality risk two to three times higher—at any BMI. In other words, unfit overweight, obese, and normal weight individuals were all at increased risk for death from CVD. Being fit and overweight or obese, on the other hand, was associated with CVD mortality risk similar to that of fit normal weight individuals. These findings suggest that high cardiorespiratory fitness is good for your heart health at any weight.
Aerobic activity improves cardiorespiratory fitness. No matter your weight, find activities you enjoy that get your heart rate up (like dancing, walking/jogging, housework, and aerobics classes) and do them regularly.