Exercising, even moderately, can significantly reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases heart disease and diabetes risk, among older adults, according to a study.
The six-month study involved over 100 people between the ages of 55 and 75. Half were "prescribed" exercises ranging from weightlifting to walking, which were performed for one hour, three times a week. The other participants were given a booklet that encouraged increased activity to promote good health.
Some 43 percent of participants had metabolic syndrome when the study began. At the end of six months, the following results were observed among the exercise group:
- No new cases of metabolic syndrome developed
- Metabolic syndrome resolved in nine people for a total reduction of 41 percent
In the control group:
- Eight people had their metabolic syndrome resolve
- Four new cases of metabolic syndrome developed, resulting in a total reduction of 18 percent
Metabolic syndrome, to which older people are prone, involves a number of factors including:
- Excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen
- High levels of unhealthy cholesterol in the blood
- Raised blood pressure
- An inability to use sugar in the blood properly
Each factor increases the risk of disease, but when all the factors are combined they represent a significant risk for developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Researchers said the reduction in cases of metabolic syndrome was linked strongly to reductions in total and abdominal body fat and increases in muscle leanness, rather than to improved fitness.
They concluded that older people can reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome by adding exercise into their lives, and added that exercise can even be as effective as drugs in improving the condition.
American Journal of Preventative Medicine January 2005;28(1):9-18