A recent study analyzing physical activity data from more than 400,000 U.S. adults has made a significant revelation that women who engage in similar amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity as men are less likely to die from any cause or from cardiovascular-specific causes. The study revealed that both men and women achieved a peak survival benefit at 300 minutes of weekly aerobic physical activity, with women experiencing a 24% mortality reduction and men experiencing an 18% reduction from the same level of exercise. This groundbreaking finding suggests sex-specific benefits to exercise and raises questions about the current physical activity recommendations for men and women.
Sex-Specific Benefits of Exercise
Several resources and studies, including those from the European Society of Cardiology and the American College of Cardiology, have shed light on the sex-specific benefits of physical activity in women. Not only does physical activity reduce all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, but it also improves oxygen delivery, extraction, and uptake during moderate-walking exercise transition in women. The impact of walkability on physical activity and obesity among United States adults is also a subject of research.
Women are less likely to die of any cause or from cardiovascular specific causes when performing similar amounts of weekly leisure time physical activity. The data suggests that clinicians should consider more tailored recommendations of physical activity, factoring in sex-specific benefits. This new understanding has the potential to influence sex-specific exercise recommendations in major societal guidelines.
Health Benefits of Regular Exercise for Women
Regular exercise provides significant health benefits for women. It lowers the risk of early death or fatal cardiovascular events. Recent studies have shown that women experience reduced risks for death compared to men across all types of exercise, including moderate aerobic activity, vigorous exercise, and strength training. Women achieve the same benefits as men in shorter amounts of time. Even a limited amount of regular exercise can provide a major benefit, especially for women.
Women Need Less Exercise for Similar Benefits
A new study suggests that women see more health benefits from exercise than men. Women need less exercise to gain the same benefits as men. Women are 24% less likely to die from any cause and 36% less likely to have a cardiovascular event if they exercise. Women saw the same benefit at 140 minutes a week and their risk kept getting lower as they went up to 300 minutes a week.
Even relatively small amounts of exercise provide significant benefits for women. Women needed 140 minutes of moderate exercise a week to reduce their risk of premature death by 18%, while men needed 300 minutes for a similar gain. The mortality risk for women is more steeply reduced for any given weekly amount or frequency of exercise. This emphasizes the need to recognize and promote the concept that understanding this concept can encourage women to take on a new exercise routine without feeling too busy or intimidated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study’s lead researcher, Martha Gulati, emphasized the need for more tailored recommendations for physical activity, particularly for sedentary patients. The findings inspire a new approach to physical activity recommendations, ensuring they are tailored to the individual’s sex. This insight could significantly influence the current physical activity recommendations for men and women, highlighting the importance of regular physical activity to good health and well-being.