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Recent research indicates that women derive greater health benefits from exercise compared to men. A study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research analyzed data from over 85,000 participants in the UK Biobank, revealing that women need significantly less exercise to achieve similar cardiovascular benefits. Women who exercised for 250 minutes a week reduced their risk of coronary heart disease by 30%, while men needed 530 minutes to achieve the same benefit.
The study, led by Dr. Jiajin Chen from the Xiamen University Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, found that women who met the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week had a 22% lower risk of heart disease, compared to a 17% lower risk for men. The findings suggest that physiological differences, such as higher estrogen levels in women, may contribute to these benefits. Estrogen is known to promote body fat loss, relax arteries, and balance cholesterol levels, which are all factors that affect heart health.
Despite these advantages, women are generally less physically active than men. Dr. Emily Lau, director of the Women’s Heart Health Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasized the need for tailored exercise recommendations for women. She noted that current guidelines often do not account for the differences between men and women, highlighting an opportunity for more personalized health advice.
These findings underscore the importance of recognizing sex-specific differences in health research and recommendations. As researchers continue to explore why women may benefit more from exercise, the study provides a foundation for developing more effective strategies to improve heart health for both sexes.