We know the benefits of physical activity on weight and health. A study by Danish researchers shows that good physical condition also reduces the risk of inflammation and inflammatory disease.
Being active is good for your health! The benefits of physical activity are known and recognized. Being in good physical condition makes for better health. On the other hand, having “flop” or “brioche” is really bad.
A study carried out at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark shows that poor physical condition is associated, of course, with an excessively large waist size, but also with a greater risk of inflammation. The results were published this week in the journal PLOS One.
Fat secretes inflammation proteins
It is known, thanks to numerous studies, that an excess of fat inside the belly (visceral fat) can increase the risk of chronic inflammation and diseases linked to a metabolic disorder (metabolic syndrome). This risk is linked to the secretion by the intra-abdominal fat of pro-inflammatory proteins: the “adipokines”.
In this new study, researchers found that the level of fitness is also inversely proportional, both to abdominal fat and waist circumference, and to the level of inflammation.
A large study and reliable criteria
Scientists analyzed data from 10,976 people. To assess their fitness, they underwent VO2 max tests, the test in use that calculates the maximum amount of oxygen an individual can consume during physical activity. It is calculated per unit of time. The waist circumference of the people was measured, as well as their weight, blood tests were also carried out to determine the level of C-reactive protein.
The researchers found that people in good physical condition had a smaller waist circumference, and less inflammation, and this was not directly related to their body mass index. The body mass index is indeed quite poorly correlated with the waist circumference: you can be a bit fat but have a very big belly, or be obese and especially have big buttocks!
Inflammation related to abdominal fat
Several studies have shown in recent years that the pro-inflammatory proteins which are secreted by the fat inside the belly and the organs of the belly are responsible for general inflammation and a worsening of autoimmune diseases.
For example, in osteoarthritis, adipokines are associated with more aggressive hand osteoarthritis in obese people, while it is quite rare to see an obese walk on their hands! The overload of the joints cannot therefore be mentioned. Likewise, in rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis, these autoimmune diseases are more serious in obese people, and even the strongest treatments are less effective.
To be in good shape and to avoid inflammatory diseases, walk, run, pedal or swim, but the main thing is to be active!
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