Research Suggests Men Need Twice as Much Exercise as Women to Reduce Heart Disease Risk
A new study has found that men require twice as much exercise as women in order to experience the same level of reduction in coronary heart disease risk. The research, published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, analyzed data from over 80,000 participants and discovered that women who exercised for just 250 minutes a week saw a 30% decrease in their heart disease risk, whereas men needed nearly nine hours of exercise per week to achieve the same effect.
The study highlights the need for tailored advice when it comes to exercise for men and women, particularly given the fact that women are generally less physically active than men. According to current NHS guidelines, both men and women aged 16-64 should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
However, the latest research suggests that these guidelines may not be sufficient for women, who can reap substantial health benefits from much less exercise. In fact, one in three women worldwide die from cardiovascular disease, and the study's findings have the potential to encourage women to become more active and improve their cardiovascular health.
The researchers behind the study point to differences in sex hormones, muscle fibers, and energy production as potential factors contributing to why women may benefit more from exercise than men. While scientists are still unsure about the underlying reasons for these differences, the research is clear: both men and women can experience significant cardiovascular benefits from regular physical activity.
The findings have been welcomed by experts, who argue that sex-specific strategies should be embedded into guidelines and tailored interventions developed to optimize cardiovascular health for women. As Dr Emily Lau, a specialist in women's cardiovascular health at Massachusetts General Hospital, noted: "This study provides further evidence that one size does not fit all and challenges us to move from conversation to action."
A new study has found that men require twice as much exercise as women in order to experience the same level of reduction in coronary heart disease risk. The research, published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, analyzed data from over 80,000 participants and discovered that women who exercised for just 250 minutes a week saw a 30% decrease in their heart disease risk, whereas men needed nearly nine hours of exercise per week to achieve the same effect.
The study highlights the need for tailored advice when it comes to exercise for men and women, particularly given the fact that women are generally less physically active than men. According to current NHS guidelines, both men and women aged 16-64 should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
However, the latest research suggests that these guidelines may not be sufficient for women, who can reap substantial health benefits from much less exercise. In fact, one in three women worldwide die from cardiovascular disease, and the study's findings have the potential to encourage women to become more active and improve their cardiovascular health.
The researchers behind the study point to differences in sex hormones, muscle fibers, and energy production as potential factors contributing to why women may benefit more from exercise than men. While scientists are still unsure about the underlying reasons for these differences, the research is clear: both men and women can experience significant cardiovascular benefits from regular physical activity.
The findings have been welcomed by experts, who argue that sex-specific strategies should be embedded into guidelines and tailored interventions developed to optimize cardiovascular health for women. As Dr Emily Lau, a specialist in women's cardiovascular health at Massachusetts General Hospital, noted: "This study provides further evidence that one size does not fit all and challenges us to move from conversation to action."
I mean, can you even believe it? Men need like, almost an entire day of exercise just to match what women do in a week! It's wild. And honestly, I think this is kinda crazy because I've seen so many female friends who are super active and still deal with heart issues. Like, what about all the women who are already rocking 30 minutes of exercise a day? Do they need more?! 
But at the same time, I'm all for getting people moving and healthy! Maybe this is a sign that we need to rethink our whole approach to exercise and health. 
Can't wait to see how this plays out in real life!
But seriously, who knew men needed twice as much exercise to be healthy? Maybe we can get them to join a fitness class or something? [exercise motivation meme](https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7d1zIvL6t8cQGpDm/giphy.gif)
But seriously, I think it's awesome that this study is shedding light on how sex differences can affect our health and fitness goals. Maybe we need to rethink those one-size-fits-all gym classes 
and start tailoring our advice to each individual's needs 
.
so it's finally being acknowledged that men need more exercise than women? like, what took so long? 
. it's just crazy. i mean, i know women are less active on average but that doesn't mean we should be expected to get the same benefit from so little exercise. 150 minutes a week is like, nothing for me - i'm already doing more than that in one day lol.
.
. Like, 250 minutes a week is still pretty achievable, right? 
And it's crazy how much more exercise men need compared to women - nearly nine hours of exercise per week?! That's like, a whole weekend 
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. We need to do more to support our female friends and family members in getting active and healthy 
.
I totally agree that the current NHS guidelines need an update, maybe it's time to make exercise even more accessible and fun for everyone 