Less Fitness Tied to Higher Levels of Inflammation (Study)

(Mirror Daily, United States) – A new study found that no fitness or low fitness levels are associated with higher levels of inflammation and a large waist circumference.

The study appeared January 17 in the journal PLOS ONE.

Lead author Anne-Sophie Wedell-Neergaard explained that waist size can tell the fat composition of the body. It can also be used to measure excess fat more accurately than other techniques. Past studies have also found a link between extra abdominal fat and higher risk of metabolic diseases and chronic inflammation.

The latest study revealed that fitness levels can greatly influence waist size and the body’s inflammatory processes. Authors also looked for a link with the Body Mass Index (BMI), a widely used measure that can tell if someone is overweight or obese.

In the study, researchers sifted through data on nearly 10,000 adults who were monitored between 2007 and 2008. The volunteers agreed to take a test to see how fit they were. They also had their waist circumference, height, and weight measured.

Fitness Can Keep Inflammation at Bay

Blood tests revealed the level of inflammation within their systems. A low level of C-reactive protein means that the body does not have inflammatory issues.

Researchers found an association between being physically fit and having lower levels of inflammation. However, study authors acknowledged that their analysis may have some limitations.

Wedell-Neergaard wrote in the paper that there is a direct link between high fitness levels and lower abdominal adiposity. Staying fit also decreased inflammation considerably. The overall metabolic health improved as fitness levels got higher.

Chronic inflammation can lead to heart attacks and strokes as the inflammation in blood vessels can boost the number of blood clots and promote blockages. Inflammation is also tied to higher risk of diabetes, bone loss, and cancer in the long run. Also, people with depression see their levels of inflammation affecting their brains jump 30%.
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John Birks

John holds a diploma in journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He covers the technology, social media, green business, eco-travel, politics, arts culture.