Fit is better than thin, says latest research on longevity

The researchers reviewed 20 studies involving nearly 400,000 middle-aged or older people from multiple nations, about 30 per cent of them women.

Gretchen Reynolds

Jan 23, 2025 – 5.00am

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Being in shape is far more crucial for a long, healthy life than being slim.

That’s the conclusion of the largest, most comprehensive study yet of the relationship between aerobic fitness, body mass index and longevity. A review and analysis of reams of earlier research, it found that being out of shape doubled or tripled the risk of dying prematurely, whatever someone’s age or body mass index.

Washington Post