This study examined the relationship between cardio respiratory fitness (VO2max), abdominal obesity (waist circumference) and cardiovascular risk factors in a random sample of Swedish men (n=781) and women (n=890). Results suggest that both higher cardiovascular fitness and lower waist circumference are independently associated with a lower cardiovascular risk. For instance, each unit of higher fitness was associated with a decrease (2-4%) in all individual risk factors independent of waist circumference. Moreover, each unit of higher waist circumference was associated with an increased risk (2-5%) independent of fitness. With combinations of 3 or more risk factors, each unit of fitness was associated with a 5% decrease in risk and each unit of waist circumference with a 5% increase in risk. These results support the evaluation of both fitness and abdominal obesity in clinical practice.
Documentation centre