Daily physical activity, aging and body composition

K.R. Westerterp

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Daily physical activity, aging and body composition.

Westerterp KR.

Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. K.Westerterp@HB.Unimaas.NL

Increasing age is associated with changes in physical activity and loss of fat-free mass. The question is whether an active life style can delay the progressive loss of fat-free mass and functional capacity. A review of available evidence from doubly labeled water studies showed that there is no association between fat-free mass and the level of physical activity in subjects over 60. Physical activity does not seem to affect the age-induced loss of fat-free mass. However, an active life style has positive effects on muscle function and thus is an important determinant of independent living at old age.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)239-248
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Nutrition Health & Aging
Volume24
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2000

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