New research shows women gain greater mortality and cardiovascular benefits from exercise than men, and they can achieve these gains with less time. The study, published in 2024 by a leading cardiovascular journal, highlights sex-specific responses to physical activity and underscores exercise as a daily health priority for women in Thailand and around the world.
The study analyzed health data from over 412,000 American adults aged 27 to 61, collected between 1997 and 2017. Researchers linked activity patterns to mortality outcomes through national records up to 2019. Findings reveal that women who reach at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity weekly cut their all-cause death risk by up to 24 percent, compared with inactive women. In men, the reduction was about 15 percent at the same activity level. Notably, women achieved equivalent benefits with roughly 140 minutes, compared with men needing about 300 minutes, indicating higher efficiency of activity for female physiology.
Strength training also followed this pattern. Women performing muscle-strengthening exercises twice a week saw a 19 percent reduction in all-cause mortality and a 30 percent drop in cardiovascular mortality. Men experienced smaller gains, with roughly 11 percent reductions in both categories. These results suggest women’s cardiovascular systems may respond more strongly to both aerobic and resistance training.
Experts emphasize that the reasons behind these differences are complex, involving hormonal, metabolic, and genetic factors. Thai health researchers note that cultural norms and access barriers often limit women’s participation in leisure-time exercise, potentially masking these advantages in broader population data.
In Thailand, rising noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes affect both older women and men. National surveys indicate fewer than half of Thai adults meet global physical activity guidelines. Barriers include safety concerns, time constraints, and social expectations. The new findings could reframe exercise as a highly efficient, life-extending habit for women, encouraging broader adoption across communities.
Policy makers and health professionals are urged to create more accessible exercise opportunities for women. Initiatives like group fitness sessions, walking clubs, and free park facilities have already gained traction, aligning with Thai cultural preferences for community activities. Expanding gym access, offering beginner-friendly classes, and promoting women-friendly programming are essential steps to multiply health benefits.
Researchers caution that self-reported activity data may over- or under-estimate true levels of exercise. The study measured leisure-time activity, excluding work and domestic activity, which can be substantial in Thai society. Health-status changes over time could also influence the results.
Despite limitations, the findings resonate with real-world trends in Thailand. Urban parks host growing women-led aerobics and strength-training groups, while rural areas and lower-income communities require more targeted outreach and resources.
Looking ahead, scientists expect further work to uncover why women respond more strongly to exercise and to refine guidelines accordingly. Thai public health officials may update campaigns to emphasize strength-building and community-based cardio for women across ages, integrating physical activity into schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings for broader impact.
Practical takeaways for Thai readers:
- Women should aim for at least 140–150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity weekly, plus two strength-training sessions.
- Suitable activities include brisk walking, cycling, dancing, and group classes at community centers or temples.
- Men should maintain regular movement and strength work to maximize longevity, recognizing that benefits may differ in rate but remain substantial.
- Communities should reduce barriers by improving safety, offering flexible schedules, and expanding inclusive fitness programs, particularly in underserved areas.
For more context on the study’s insights, readers can refer to research reports from national health databases and leading cardiovascular institutes through reputable health outlets and institutional summaries.