Discovery Vitality's head of wellness, Dr Mosima Mabunda, has emphasised the importance of regularly measuring cardiorespiratory fitness, or VO2 max, akin to monitoring blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels. Enhancing fitness can significantly reduce mortality risk, with even moderate improvements in VO2 max lowering the risk of death by 21% to 30%, as revealed by recent research from Discovery Vitality.
Dr Jon Patricios, a Wits professor of sports and exercise medicine, underscored that prescribing aerobic-based exercise is one of the most effective and accessible preventive measures. The new research, which draws on member data from Discovery Vitality and contributions from external experts, found substantial health benefits linked to higher levels of cardio fitness, including:
- A 20% to 45% reduction in all-cause cancer mortality for those with medium to high cardio fitness.
- Lower risks of certain cancers and diabetes with improved VO2 max.
- The hospital costs are up to 30% lower for members with higher cardio fitness levels.
- Significant reductions in obesity (95% lower), high-risk blood glucose (84%), and high blood pressure (70%) among fitter members.
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Longer sleep durations among those with higher fitness levels.
Discovery Vitality CEO Dinesh Govender noted that, according to WHO data, nearly one in two adults in South Africa needs to be more active, compared to one in three globally. Cardiologist Dr David Jankelow, along with experts Dr Phathokuhle Zondi and biokineticist Mari Leach, advocated for structured exercise to enhance VO2 max, which measures the efficiency of oxygen delivery to muscles during exercise.
Leach said that VO2 max could be measured through various methods, including fitness devices and lab tests. Dr Zondi noted a need to identify barriers and diversify exercise types, frequency, and intensity to promote cardio fitness. Discovery Vitality announced new member rewards for tracking VO2 max and the launch of a new fitness platform.
Dr Mabunda emphasised that improving cardio fitness is vital for disease prevention and lifespan extension and enhances "healthspan," ensuring more years of good health.