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There are many markers when it comes to assessing health and fitness, and VO2 max has recently gained popularity among them. According to Healthline, it measures individuals’ aerobic fitness level by calculating the maximum amount of oxygen that the body can absorb and use during exercise.
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However, fitness level should not be the only factor when thinking about a person’s overall health. The topic was raised by LiveMore podcast host Rob Shakhani during a conversation with London-based cardiologist and public health advocate Dr Asim Malhotra on his show, the full episode of which has yet to be released at the time of writing.
Intensive workout does not guarantee good health
At one point in the conversation, Rob shared that longevity experts are looking at VO2 max as they consider the benefits of exercise.
“I can understand how moderate exercise is more accessible to the general population,” he said, “but do you think the evidence points to some degree of intense activity being beneficial?”,
Dr. Malhotra doesn’t believe that’s the case and said, “I think it’s about balance.”
Although he agreed that intense workouts could be beneficial to some extent, he did not recommend that people do high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
,Certainly, people I see who are highly stressed and at risk for heart disease, I tell them not to do HIIT more than once a week,” the cardiologist shared.
A believer in the adage “Your fitness may improve, but your health may decline,” Dr. Malhotra cautioned that a good VO2 max level “doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the healthiest,” and we have to consider the whole picture.
Stress plays a major role in health conditions
Dr. Malhotra said that stress currently plays the biggest role in determining the health status of individuals.
When it comes to being a risk factor for heart disease, chronic stress is the equivalent of smoking 20 cigarettes a day.
“And most people are not dealing with it, and we’re certainly more stressed than in modern history,” he lamented.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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