Why women 'need less exercise than men' | BBC Global

Summary

A study of over 400,000 adults reveals a gender disparity in exercise requirements for heart health, with women benefiting more from less physical activity. Women need only 2.5 hours of weekly exercise for maximum heart benefit, compared to men's 5 hours. This disparity is attributed to physiological differences, such as men's larger muscle mass and heart size. Despite this, regular exercise remains crucial for overall health and longevity.

Takeaways

• 🏋️‍♀️ Exercise is crucial for health, offering protection against various illnesses and mental health benefits.
• 🚺 There's a gender disparity in exercise requirements for heart health, with women benefiting more from less exercise.
• 🔍 A study analyzed over 400,000 adults to compare the impact of exercise on mortality rates between sexes.
• 💓 Women need less physical activity than men to achieve the same positive effects on heart health.
• 🏃‍♀️ For women, 300 minutes of aerobic exercise per week reduces mortality risk by 24%, compared to 15% for men.
• 🏃‍♂️ Men, being generally larger and stronger, require more exercise to gain the same heart health benefits.
• 💪 Men have about 38% more muscle mass, which influences how much their blood vessels can expand during exercise.
• 🕒 Women only need 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week for maximum heart benefit, while men need 5 hours.
• 🚶‍♀️ Even moderate daily exercise provides significant health benefits beyond just heart health.
• 🌟 Regular physical activity, such as brisk walking or jogging, can contribute to a longer life.

Q & A

What is the importance of exercise for health and well-being?

Exercise is vital for health and well-being as it can protect against a range of illnesses and has numerous benefits for the mind.

What is the gender gap in exercise requirements for heart health?

The gender gap favors women, as they require less exercise than men to achieve the same heart health benefits.

How many adults were studied to compare causes of death between sexes?

Over 400,000 adults were studied to compare causes of death between sexes.

How does regular exercise affect mortality risks?

Regular exercise is known to reduce mortality risks and increase longevity.

What was surprising about the study's findings on exercise and mortality risk?

It was surprising by how much the reduction in mortality risk was greater for women compared to men.

What is the reduced mortality risk for women with 300 minutes of aerobic exercise per week?

Women have a 24% reduced risk of mortality with 300 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.

What is the reduced mortality risk for men with the same amount of exercise?

Men have a 15% reduced risk of mortality with 300 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.

How many hours per week do women need to exercise for maximum heart survival benefit?

Women need to exercise for 2 and 1/2 hours per week for maximum heart survival benefit.

How many hours per week do men need to exercise for the same benefit?

Men need to exercise for 5 hours per week for the same maximum heart survival benefit.

Why might men need to work harder for the same exercise benefit as women?

Men are on average stronger and bigger, so they need to work harder for the same benefit due to factors like larger hearts, wider airways, and more muscle mass.

What is the significance of the lower limit for blood vessel expansion in women during exercise?

Women have a lower limit for how much their blood vessels can expand during exercise, which is related to their lower muscle mass.

Should the findings be taken as an excuse to exercise less?

No, the findings should not be taken as an excuse to exercise less, as moderate exercise every day is beneficial for overall health beyond just heart benefits.