Weight loss or Fitness? Which is the Better Predictor of Health?

A recent Men’s Health article, “Fitness, Not Weight, Is the Best Marker of Health, Finds New
Study,” suggests people should be focusing on their fitness, not body weight, if they want to
improve their health.

Would you agree?

Let’s dig into the article to find out.

Cardiorespiratory Fitness Reduces Risk of Disease

The quick summary: A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine
(Cardiorespiratory fitness, body mass index and mortality: a systematic review and meta
analysis | British Journal of Sports Medicine) reviewed 20 articles and found that
“cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease and all-cause
mortality and attenuates risks associated with overweight and obesity.”

This means that people who improve cardiovascular fitness can reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease, even if they remain overweight.

The Men’s Health article suggests the “arbitrary goal of weight loss” is less important than
moving more. “Being fit is protective against cardiovascular disease and dying, regardless of
your body weight and BMI.”

This is good news if you have ever struggled with your weight! In simple terms, all is not lost if
you improve your cardio but can’t hit a precise weight goal.

You’re still winning!

Of course, this doesn’t mean a weight goal isn’t important. Being overweight is still not ideal for certain health markers, but, it does mean that you will reap huge rewards from exercise even if the number on the
scale doesn’t change as fast as you want it to.

Which really falls in line with so many of our values at Right Fit. Real life happens, so we
workout for the realities of every day, including micro-wellness habits like moving our body
daily and engaging in fitness for our long-term health.

This study also made two other important notes:

1. Cardiovascular fitness is just one part of overall fitness.
   Focusing on overall fitness helps more people accomplish all their goals – especially weight
   loss goals.
   At Right Fit, we most definitely help people improve cardiorespiratory fitness, but we also
   focus on strength training and exercise that promotes power, endurance, stamina, flexibility,
   balance, and so on. This holistic approach, (which includes healthy eating habits), has
   incredible effects on mental health, self-esteem, every day quality of life, and key health
   metrics including weight.
   Improving your “cardio” is great, but don’t neglect the other aspects of fitness. If you work with
   us to improve your overall fitness, you’ll reap even greater rewards than if you just do cardio.
2. General movement is great, but it isn’t specific training.
   Don’t misunderstand: You should move more, especially if you’ve struggled with activity in the
   past. Every walk around the neighbourhood or game of tag with the kids is progress in the
   right direction.
   But to improve and optimize cardiovascular fitness, you need a plan beyond “walk for 20
   minutes once a day.” Experienced coaches understand the science behind fitness training,
   will give you a plan, and will hold you accountable.
   A plan that’s tailored to you and your goals and needs will produce results much faster than
   general movement.
   

How We Can Support You
Improving fitness and losing weight can be intimidating. Many people get confused or
frustrated and give up.

But, be kind to yourself! Take heart that any movement is better than nothing, and that being
active can be more important than the number on the scale.

Studies show that our bodies need more than just cardio, and that training with experts is key
to keeping ourselves as healthy as we can.

Start with simple movement if that’s a good first step for you, but when you get momentum
and want to take the next step, connect with us at Right Fit!

If you’re ready to explore how we can support your health, you can book your FREE individual
consultation here!

Ashton and The Right Fit Team