NEWS RELEASE
February 4, 2004
For immediate release
Contact:
Christa Dickey
cdickey@acsm.org
LESS ABDOMINAL FAT PRESENT IN FITTER MEN,
INDEPENDENT OF BODY MASS INDEX
Effect of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Abdominal Fat Linked
to Reduced Risk of Obesity-Related Diseases
INDIANAPOLIS – Men with higher levels of cardiorespiratory
fitness have significantly less abdominal fat, regardless of their body
mass index (BMI), according to a study published in the February 2004
issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise®,
the official scientific journal of the American College of Sports
Medicine (ACSM). The findings show that cardiorespiratory fitness,
gained through even modest amounts of physical activity, has a
significant effect on waist circumference and obesity-related health
risks.
Abdominal obesity has long been associated with increased risk of
Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Conversely,
cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), typically known as aerobic fitness, is
known to reduce the risk of heart disease and other health conditions.
BMI is commonly used to categorize weight status to determine if
individuals are underweight, normal, overweight, or obese. Researchers
set out to compare both high and low CRF levels to men’s waist
circumference, regardless of BMI, and determine if those with higher CRF
have less abdominal fat, and thus are less likely to develop health
conditions associated with obesity, like heart disease and diabetes.
Nearly 400 men ranging in age from 30 to 76 years were enrolled after
completing a comprehensive medical examination and lifestyle
questionnaire. Researchers measured body weight, height, and waist
circumference, then conducted a series of digital CT scans on the
abdominal region to obtain cross-sectional images of fat deposits.
Visceral fat, deeper fat located around the organs, and subcutaneous
abdominal fat, located between the skin and muscle, were mapped on each
participant. Following this, CRF was evaluated during maximal exercise
treadmill testing.
Oxygen consumption was higher and waist circumference was lower in
the men who rated in the high CRF group, at any given body mass index.
Men in the low-CRF group had significantly more visceral and
subcutaneous abdominal fat than their counterparts. This finding,
according to the study authors, demonstrates healthy CRF lessens the
risks related to obesity. Additionally, these data suggest using BMI
alone to determine these risks may be misleading due to the relationship
between abdominal fat and CRF. Healthcare providers should include waist
circumference and CRF measurements in routine health risk assessments,
say the authors.
Regular physical activity is underscored for its importance in
preventing and reducing obesity-related health risks, independent of
potential for weight loss. Although physical activity was not a specific
measurement in this study, the researchers noted the average fitness
levels of the men in the high-CRF group could be easily attained by
meeting current ACSM/U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) guidelines for physical activity which suggest 30 minutes a day on
most, if not all, days of the week.
“Love handles and cardiorespiratory fitness are clearly
related,” said author Peter T. Katzmarzyk, Ph.D., FACSM.
“What’s interesting is the strong connection between the two
when BMI is factored out. Still, improving one’s cardiorespiratory
fitness may not always result in a loss in abdominal fat. The evidence
of physical activity’s positive effects on health is clear, and
spot reduction is not a realistic goal of any health enhancement
exercise program. Participating in even moderate levels of regular
physical activity will improve cardiorespiratory fitness and can
decrease the risk of obesity-related diseases.”
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports
medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than
20,000 International, National, and Regional members are dedicated to
advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and
practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
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NOTE: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise®
is the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, and
is available from Lippincott Williams & Wilkins at 1-800-638-6423.
For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 36, No. 2, pages 286-291
or to speak with a leading sports medicine expert on the topic, contact
the Department of Communications and Public Information at 317-637-9200
ext. 127 or 117. Visit ACSM online at www.acsm.org.
The conclusions outlined in this news release are those of the
researchers only, and should not be construed as an official statement
of the American College of Sports Medicine.
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