Bigger Waist, Slower Steps? New Study Says Yes
A new study published in Aging (Aging-US), sheds light on the relationship between body shape and physical performance. The research reveals that individuals with higher waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height (WHtR) ratios are more likely to exhibit poorer physical function, raising concerns about long-term mobility and independence as people age.
The study analyzed data from over 10,000 adults aged 18 to 98 years. These participants took part in the Longevity Check-up 8+ project, a large-scale Italian health initiative designed to promote healthy lifestyles and assess cardiovascular risk.
Researchers assessed participants' waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height ratios and evaluated their physical performance using the five-repetition chair stand test a widely used measure of lower-body strength and mobility. “Among 10690 participants (mean age 57.0 ± 14.8 y; 54% females), men exhibited higher waist-to-hip (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio and a higher prevalence of abnormal values (61% and 71%),” the authors noted.
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