LAUSR

Obesity and low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) are two major risk factors for a variety of morbidities, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its consequences. Obesity rates have risen in most Western countries while CRF levels seem to be in general decline. In a prospective cohort study, Hemmingsson et al. aimed to describe how changes in CRF and body mass index (BMI) status over time are linked to CVD incidence and mortality, as well as all-cause mortality in Sweden. In brief, they demonstrated that the combination of obesity with low CRF has increased markedly since the mid-90s, with clear implications for increased CVD morbidity and mortality, and allcause mortality. This combination affected more men vs. women, older vs. younger, and in non-university vs. university educated.