According to a recent study, women may benefit more from exercising than men.
Women who exercised the same amount had a lower chance of dying early.
The study examined death due to all causes, including cardiovascular events.
The difference between men and women could be due to physiological differences.
These results could be used to tailor an exercise program for each individual.
According to a study that was published in the American College of Cardiology on February 19, 2024.
The study, sponsored in part by the National Heart, Lung, & Blood Institute Trusted Source, showed that women had a lower rate of premature death, even with the same level of exercise as men. This included dying from a cardiovascular disease like a heart attack or stroke.
This link was also found with all types of exercise studied, whether it be moderate or vigorous aerobic activity or strength training.
Women have lower mortality risks than men.
Exercise is often recommended to prevent premature death, according to the study’s authors.
Women tend to be less active than men despite the fact that they are more physically active.
The researchers wanted to see if there was a difference between the benefits of exercise for men and women.
The study examined data from more than 400,000 Americans, with an average of 44 years. 55% were women.
The scientists used this data to determine if there is a connection between people’s exercise habits and their early deaths.
Researchers found that women who exercised had a 24% lower risk of dying early, regardless of the cause. Exercised men, however, are 15% less likely to die early.
These women also had a lower risk of death from a heart attack, which was 36%, compared to men who had a risk of 14%.
The association was true no matter which type of exercise they examined, whether it be moderate aerobic activity like fast walking, more vigorous activities such as spinning, or strength training with weights or bodyweight exercises.
There was a limit on how much more activity could be added to achieve improvements in moderate aerobic exercise. For both sexes, there was no further risk reduction above 300 minutes of exercise per week.
Women also received the same benefits from exercising for shorter periods as men. When they exercised vigorously, for example, they could reduce their risk of early death by 19% after only 57 minutes of exercise per week. The men took 110 minutes to reach this goal.
Strength training had similar benefits. Women who exercised saw a reduction of 19% in the risk of death from any cause, while men experienced a decrease of 11%.
Women’s risk of dying from cardiovascular causes has risen to 30%. Men’s risk remains the same, at 11%.
Why women may benefit more from exercise
Dr. Daniel Atkinson is the GP Clinical Leader at Treated. He said that there are a number of reasons why women may benefit more from a similar level of exercise than men.
Atkinson did not participate in the study.
There are also physiological differences that need to be considered. He said that women tend to have a proportionately smaller lean mass and strength.
The result is that they will experience greater improvements in their strength and circulation as a response to exercising, leading to better bodily changes and, therefore, better health outcomes.
Atkinson noted that it could also be related to muscle fiber composition. Women have a greater proportion of Type I oxidative fibers, which are more suited for cardiovascular endurance.
He said that “this composition may have benefits in terms exercise capacity and metabolism function, leading to a more pronounced decrease in mortality risk when physical activity is undertaken.”
Atkinson suggested that it is related to women’s responses to muscle-strengthening exercises, as this is more closely linked to the long-term health of women than men.
He said that it could be because men are stronger than women at the start of their lives or due to other factors such as a lower risk of falling or conditions like Osteoporosis, which is more prevalent in women.
Atkinson said that this was just speculation and further research would be needed to draw any definitive conclusions.
How to Exercise to Stay Healthy
Zaslow did not participate in the study.
She said that this goal may not be the best.
Zaslow said that both genders would benefit from working toward a 300-minute goal per week. He added that “sex-specific considerations” could improve individual risk assessments and tailor exercise prescriptions to increase physical activity among women.
Zaslow recommends the following for women to maximize the benefits of exercising:
As you gain strength and endurance, increase the amount of exercise.
Exercise with a friend. This will help you stay accountable and make exercise more fun.
You can walk between your stops instead of driving.
Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
Exercise can be fun when you try new things.
Create a challenge for your family where everyone works towards a common goal. This will encourage you to work together.
Play music or listen to a podcast while you work out.
Do different exercises every time you work out. You can alternate between strength and endurance workouts or do another activity every time.
Takeaway
Women may benefit more from exercise, according to a new study.
Women who exercise the same as men are less likely to suffer premature death from cardiovascular causes like heart attacks and strokes.
This difference could be due to physiological differences in muscle fiber or mass.
These findings may be helpful in modifying exercise programs for individuals.
Women can maximize their fitness efforts by starting small, building on that, working with family and friends to achieve their goals, and incorporating more exercise into daily activities.
