Fitness in Late Teens Cuts Severe COVID-19 Risk in Men: Study
A study published in BMJ Open has revealed a link between physical fitness and strength in late teenage years and a reduced risk of severe COVID-19 infection in Swedish men. Researchers from Umeå University led the study, which controlled for obesity and other factors.
The research, based on the Swedish Conscription Register, analysed over 1.5 million young men who began military service between 1969 and 2005. It found that those with higher fitness levels at conscription had half the risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to those with lower fitness. Good muscle strength also showed a protective effect against severe COVID-19 infection.
The study controlled for obesity, demonstrating that fitness and strength were protective factors regardless of weight. Taller men had a slightly increased risk of advanced care due to COVID-19, but the effect was very small and not modifiable.
The study, with DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051316, suggests that good fitness and muscle strength in late teens can provide long-term protection against severe COVID-19 infection in men. This underlines the importance of maintaining physical fitness and strength throughout life.
