Fit at Any Size
Why Fitness Beats BMI in Predicting Long-Term Health
For years, we’ve been told that maintaining a “healthy” weight is the key to longevity. But new research suggests that fitness — not the number on the scale — is the real game-changer. A 2024 study in
had significantly lower risks of death. On the flip side, those with lower VO2 max were 2–3 times more likely to die from any cause, regardless of their BMI . The good news? Improving fitness doesn’t require drastic measures. You don’t need to train for a marathon or spend hours in the gym to boost your aerobic health. The key is
the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who are physically fit, regardless of their body weight, had a lower risk of death than those who
were unfit — even if those unfit individuals had a “normal” BMI. Simply put, being active is far more important than being thin for long-term health.
consistency — moving your body in an enjoyable and sustainable way. Start with simple activities like a daily 20-minute walk, gentle stretching, or a few sets of
BMI, or body mass index, has long been used to measure health risk, but it only considers weight and height, ignoring more crucial factors like muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Researchers behind this new study argue that aerobic fitness — how efficiently your heart, lungs, and muscles work together — is a much better indicator of health than weight alone. They found that individuals with higher VO2 max, which measures oxygen use during exercise,
bodyweight exercises. If joint pain is an issue, try swimming or water aerobics, which provide a great workout without putting stress on your knees or hips.
Health isn’t about fitting into a certain dress size — it’s about staying active, feeling strong, and making movement a part of your everyday life. So, forget about obsessing over the scale and focus on what matters: moving more and living better.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS Getting Confidence Back
“As I recover from shoulder surgery, I basically had to start over. I was given a number of exercises that I worked on in the office and continued at home between therapy sessions. Thanks to my therapist, Mike Ulmer, who
“Mandie gave me great suggestions for pool exercises. I worked
with Mandie and I can not praise her
enough. She not only helped me physically with my balance, she helped me mentally by helping me with my confidence. Thank you so much, Mandie.” –Jeannine C. Williams
was outstanding in leading me in the right direction. I am now reaching all of my goals and fully recovered. Thanks for all you did.” –Jamie Arndt
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