Obesity overrated as a risk factor.

• Position: Cardiorespiratory Fitness - Body mass index research - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

A study from The Cooper Institute, Dallas, Tex., shows that using body mass index (BMI) to predict the risk of all-cause mortality in women may be misleading unless cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) levels are taken into account. The researchers followed a group of 9,925 women with an average age of 43 who were assessed at Cooper Clinic over a 26-year period. CRF was measured via a maximal treadmill exercise test, and participants were divided into three categories: low, moderate, and high fitness. Participants were divided into three BMI categories: normal weight, overweight, and obese. BMI is calculated using the following formula: body weight in pounds multiplied by 703 divided by height in inches squared.

The group was followed for an average of 11.4 years. During that time, 195 deaths occurred, with cancer and cardiovascular disease accounting for 83% of...