Focus on Fitness for a Longer, Healthier Life

If you want to live longer, forget obsessing over the number on the scale—prioritize fitness instead. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that physical fitness plays a far greater role in heart health and longevity than body weight.

Fitness Over Weight for Heart Health

Researchers analyzed data from nearly 400,000 people and discovered that regardless of body mass index (BMI), physically fit individuals had a similar risk of death from any cause. Meanwhile, people with a normal BMI but low fitness levels faced a higher risk of death compared to physically fit individuals, even if those individuals were overweight or obese.

This challenges the common belief that weight alone determines health. Senior study author Siddhartha Angadi, PhD, told Health Magazine that being physically unfit is far more dangerous than carrying a few extra pounds. He encourages people to shift their mindset—exercise isn’t just for burning calories or losing weight but for improving overall health, which can be achieved even without major changes in body weight.

The BMI Debate

The study also adds to growing criticism of the BMI scale. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, BMI offers little value in clinical care and can even be harmful. Relying on BMI alone can lead to misdiagnoses, reduced healthcare access, and mistrust between patients and providers.

Prioritizing Movement Over the Scale

Instead of focusing solely on weight loss, health experts emphasize movement as the key to longevity. Activities like walking, strength training, and cardiovascular exercise can improve heart health, reduce disease risk, and extend lifespan—regardless of BMI. The takeaway? Fitness matters more than the scale when it comes to long-term health.