Fitness is more important than losing weight

Interesting medical research has revealed that being physically fit could have more an impact on health than managing your weight. A study of 15,000 men showed that maintaining or increasing fitness levels was associated with lower risks of dying, even if their body weight increased or remained static. Researchers also found that increased levels of activity, over a period of 6 years was associated with a 19% lower risk of heart and circulatory disease. Of course it's always healthier to stay within your ideal weight boundaries suggested by The Body Mass Index (BMI) and stay under 25. Cancer Research UK says that around 40% of cancers that occur in patients each year are due to a poor lifestyle such as lack of exercise, bad food choices and smoking. In other words these can be avoided if a more healthier lifestyle is followed. Further evidence suggests that exercise plays a major role in recovering from cancer. Figures from Macmillan Cancer Support indicate that those recovering from breast and prostate cancer can reduce their mortality risk by 30-40% if they perform 150 minutes of physical activity each week, compared to those doing fewer than 60 minutes each week. Macmillan claims that there needs to be a cultural shift so that people see physical activity as "an integral part of their lives, not just an optional add on."