Is BMI Associated with Cardiorespiratory Fitness? A Cross-Sectional Analysis Among 8470 Apparently Healthy Subjects Aged 18–94 Years from the Low-Lands Fitness Registry

Abstract

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak , expressed in mL/min) and body mass index (BMI) in a large cohort of apparently healthy subjects. Methods BMI and VO 2peak were measured in a cross-sectional study of 8470 apparently healthy adults. VO 2peak (mL/min) was determined by an incremental cycle ergometer test to exhaustion. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of CRF. Results There was no difference in CRF between adults with a normal weight ( BMI between 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ) and those who were overweight ( BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m 2 ). Subjects who were underweight ( BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 ) as well as females who were obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m 2 ) showed a reduced CRF compared to the normal and overweight groups. Age, height, and gender were significant predictors of CRF ( R 2 = 0.467, P < 0.0001); BMI did not add significantly to this relationship. Conclusion Our findings indicate that BMI was not associated with CRF in addition to age, height, and gender. In subjects with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m 2 , CRF was lower compared to subjects with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m 2 . In obese subjects, CRF was only lower in females compared to females with a BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m 2 . Correcting CRF for BMI may be beneficial for subjects with a low BMI, and females with a BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m 2 . The outcome of this study might help to improve the interpretation of exercise testing results in individuals with a low or high BMI.

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