Women Who Exercise Regularly May See Greater Health Benefits Than Men, Study Finds
According to a recent study, women who engage in regular exercise may experience greater health benefits compared to men.
Exercise Habits and Mortality Risk
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology analyzed data from over 400,000 U.S. adults and found that women who engaged in 2.5 hours of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly were 24% less likely to die than women who didn't exercise regularly. In contrast, men who exercised for the same amount of time each week had only a 15% lower chance of dying.
The researchers also discovered that women were able to achieve these health benefits with less exercise compared to men. Men who engaged in about five hours of moderate to vigorous exercise each week lowered their chances of dying by 18% in comparison to men who didn't exercise. However, women were able to see the same reduction in their risk of death with only about 2.5 hours of the same level of exercise.
Dr. Beteal Ashinne, a non-invasive cardiologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine at UHealth, speculates that this study's findings can pave the way for further research into understanding why women may experience stronger benefits from exercise than men.
Possible Reasons for Gender Differences
While the exact reasons for these gender differences are unclear, the researchers suggest that anatomical differences between men and women could play a role. Men generally have larger hearts, wider lung airways, greater lung diffusion capacity, and larger muscle fibers than women, which may influence the health benefits derived from exercise.
However, the study has its limitations. As an observational study, it cannot definitively prove that exercise directly caused the lower risk of mortality. Additionally, it did not consider other lifestyle factors such as diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
Despite these limitations, cardiologists Dr. Nadish Garg and Dr. Beteal Ashinne emphasize the importance of regular exercise for heart health. They recommend that Americans follow the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' guidelines of getting at least 2.5 to 5 hours per week of moderate physical activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both, to experience optimal health benefits.
Best Exercises for Heart Health
Aerobic exercises like running, biking, dancing, or swimming are recommended for heart health. Strength-training exercises, which can include weight-lifting, push-ups, and bodyweight squats, are also beneficial.
Dr. Garg emphasizes that it's important for individuals to choose exercises they enjoy and that elevate their heart rate. Consistency is key. By finding an activity they enjoy, individuals are more likely to stick with it and reap the long-term health benefits.
In conclusion, the study suggests that regular exercise can provide significant health benefits, particularly for women. While the exact reasons behind the gender differences remain unclear, it is clear that incorporating exercise into one's weekly routine is essential for maintaining optimal health.
