Here's Scientific Proof That Feminism is Good For Your Heart
A new study suggests adults living in countries with greater gender equality have greater cardiorespiratory fitness.
Living in a country with a high level of gender equality is not only good for culture and for the economy—it’s also good for individual people’s health.
According to a new global study published last month in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, adults living in countries with greater gender equality tend to have better cardiorespiratory fitness, which is a key marker of long-term health.
Cardiorespiratory fitness reflects how efficiently the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to muscles during exercise. Higher fitness levels are linked with lower risks of heart disease, cancer, and early death. But while we know that physical activity is vital for health, this study reveals that social conditions—especially measures of gender equality—may play a major role in how fit people can actually become.
The researchers reviewed data from 95 studies, covering more than 119,000 adults across countries including the United States, Brazil, Germany, China, and Japan. They noted in their analysis that social factors such as income, education, safety, and access to sports opportunities may influence how active people can be. For women, societal support and equality appear particularly important in enabling regular physical activity.
Josie Cox
