Overweight But Active: Vascular Benefits From Exercise
ScienceDaily
March 19, 2008
Overweight but active men responded dramatically better compared to their inactive counterparts in a first-of-its kind study from Indiana University that examined the vascular response to exercise in overweight men.
Vascular function is important because of its relationship to cardiovascular disease.
The active cohort saw an average 24 percent improvement in their vascular function, compared to the 32 percent decrease observed in the inactive group. The results were published in the journal "Obesity."
"This overweight-obesity phenomenon is an epidemic in today's society," said Ryan A. Harris, who led the study while a doctoral student in the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation's Department of Kinesiology. "This study supports that being consistent with daily physical activity is beneficial to cardiovascular health. Being active may not drop the pounds as quickly as you'd like, but it still is beneficial."
Obesity contributes to a variety of diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.
"But being overweight isn't hopeless," said Janet P. Wallace, professor of exercise physiology in the Department of Kinesiology. "This study shows you can still do some measures to help yourself while you work to lose weight."
Read the complete story here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318133628.htm
Learn more about the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation here: http://www.hper.indiana.edu/
