When it comes to longevity, is exercise more impactful than alcohol consumption? A comprehensive study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) suggests that fitness levels are a stronger determinant of lifespan.
Researchers followed nearly 25,000 healthy Norwegian adults for over 16 years, assessing their fitness relative to age and gender. The data was then correlated with mortality rates and alcohol intake. This research highlights the importance of physical activity for overall health and well-being, particularly as populations age.
Lowest Fitness Levels Linked to Highest Risk
The most significant finding revealed that the 20% of participants with the lowest fitness levels faced a substantially higher risk of premature death, regardless of their alcohol consumption, Aftonbladet reports.
Conversely, individuals with normal or good fitness levels exhibited low mortality risk, whether they abstained from alcohol or consumed small to moderate amounts.
Ulrik Wisløff, a professor involved in the study, explained how the results should be interpreted:
“At the same time, population studies, including the HUNT study, show that for people who already drink small to moderate amounts of alcohol and maintain a normal or good level of physical fitness, the measurable risk of mortality is low,” he told VG.
