Study Says Women Might Need Less Excercise Than Men

A recent study challenges the belief that women need the same amount of exercise as men to stay healthy and fit. But is this really true? Are women being overwhelmed when it comes to their fitness needs? Let’s explore this topic and uncover the truth behind the belief that women need less exercise than men.

Study Says Women Might Need Less Excercise Than Men

In a recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers discovered that women achieve a greater “survival benefit” from exercise compared to men. Women only require around 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity per week to experience a 24% reduction in mortality risk, whereas men need 5 hours of physical activity to achieve a 15% reduction.

Dr. Martha Gulati, co-lead author of the study, highlighted the significance of their findings, emphasizing that women can benefit more from each minute of moderate to vigorous activity compared to men. She hopes this realization will motivate women to prioritize physical activity for their health.

What Did the Research Consider?

Researchers examined health data from 412,413 U.S. adults spanning 1997 to 2019, revealing that 39,935 had died, including 11,670 from cardiovascular causes. The study had an observational design, meaning causation couldn’t be definitively established, and the self-reported data didn’t consider variations in household activities, as cautioned by the researchers.

In the study, men who participated in regular muscle-strengthening activities saw an 11% decrease in cardiovascular risk, while women experienced a more significant reduction of 30% in cardiovascular risk through the same activities.

What Did It Find Out?

In the study, women who engaged in regular aerobic exercise experienced a 36% lower risk of cardiovascular-related death, compared to a 14% risk reduction for men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the U.S., claiming over 300,000 lives annually. Additionally, the researchers observed gender differences in the benefits of strength training, noting that men peak at three sessions per week, while women achieve similar benefits with just one session.

What Do Other Specialists Have to Say to the Claim That Women Need Less Exercise?

Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist from the Cleveland Clinic not affiliated with the study, finds the new findings intriguing but underscores the limitations of observational studies. He emphasizes the need for confirmation through multiple studies across different populations and countries, stating that a single observational study is not definitive proof of any conclusion.

Do you agree with the claims that women need less exercise?

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