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A regular physical activity routine, combined with a diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods, could be the key for middle-aged adults to achieve optimal cardiometabolic health in the future, According to new research using data from the Framingham Choir Study published in Journal of the American Heart Association, Journal of the American Choir Association, based in Dallas, USA.
One of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular health is metabolic syndrome, a set of disorders composed of excess fat around the waist, insulin resistance and high blood pressure. In fact, the presence of metabolic syndrome may increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Thus, the US health authorities recommend that adults do the least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week, How to walk or swim. On the other hand, the dietary guidelines, which were updated in January 2021, offer suggestions on healthy eating patterns, nutritional goals, and dietary limits.
A 70-year study
In an analysis of the data of the participants in the Framingham Choir Study, Which started over 70 years ago in Framingham (Massachusetts, USA), the researchers examined data from 2,379 adults over the age of 18 and their compliance with both guidelines, both physical and dietary.
Thus, they observed that compliance with a combination of the two recommendations during middle age was associated with less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome and to develop serious conditions as participants aged into old age.
“Healthcare professionals could use these findings to further promote and emphasize their patients the benefits of a healthy diet and a regular exercise program to prevent the development of numerous chronic health conditions in the present and in the afterlife, “said study author Vanessa Xanthakis.” The sooner people make these lifestyle changes, the more likely they are to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease later on, ”he adds.
necessary goals
Study participants were selected from the third generation of the Framingham Choir Study. these, with an average age of 47 years and a percentage of women of 54%, Were examined between 2008 and 2011. The researchers assessed physical activity using a specialized device known as an omnidirectional accelerometer.
The device, which tracks sedentary lifestyle and physical activity, was carried on the participant’s hip for eight days. Researchers too collect dietary information using food frequency questionnaires to measure the types and levels of food and nutrients consumed.
Thus, the researchers observed that, among all participants, 28% complied with the recommendations of both the physical activity and dietary guidelines, While 47% got the recommendations in just one of the guidelines.
cardiovascular risk
Researchers also found that participants who followed only physical activity recommendations were 51% less likely to suffer from metabolic syndrome, while participants who followed only dietary guidelines were 33% less likely to suffer. ; and participants who followed both guidelines had 65% less likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
“It should be noted that we observe a dose-response association of compliance with dietary and physical activity guidelines with the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases later in life, “Xanthakis said.” Participants who followed physical activity guidelines had a progressively lower risk of cardiometabolic disease as compliance with dietary guidelines increased, ”he adds.
However, all study participants were white adults, so the results cannot be generalized to people from other racial or ethnic groups. “Additional studies are needed with a sample of multiethnic participants”, Have claimed the researchers.