Staying active, eating well, and making smart lifestyle choices have long been linked to living a longer, healthier life. But according to one cardiovascular expert, two specific health markers may be the most powerful predictors of how long you’ll live.
Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon based in Savannah, Georgia, recently shared with his more than 1 million social media followers that VO2 max and muscle mass are critical indicators of both health span and life span.
“VO2 max is essentially a measure of how efficiently your body uses oxygen during intense exercise,” London explained in an interview with Fox News Digital. “In other words, it reflects the health of your cardiovascular system. Statistically, it’s the No. 1 indicator of longevity.”
Studies show that individuals with higher VO2 max levels experience significant reductions in cardiovascular disease and mortality risk, along with longer lifespans. A Harvard Medical School report recently echoed these findings, noting that a high VO2 max signals strong heart and lung function as well as efficient oxygen use by muscles.
London emphasized that even those who have never exercised—or who have been inactive for years—can improve VO2 max through consistent movement. “You don’t have to be an athlete to see benefits,” he said.
The second key factor is muscle mass, which London called “a close second” to VO2 max in predicting longevity. Strong muscles not only support independence in later years but also play a vital role in metabolic health.
“Muscle is a glucose sink,” London explained, reducing the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. During illness, muscle tissue also releases proteins called myokines, which help fight inflammation.
“Muscle is critical for functional capacity—being able to do the things you want later in life,” he said. “The deadlifts you do at 30 enable you to pick up the suitcase at 80.”
Importantly, building muscle doesn’t always require heavy weights or intense workouts. London encourages people to focus on movement in any form, whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, or dancing.
“Just move,” he advised. “Consistency is the key. Find something you enjoy, put your muscles under stress, and get your heart rate up regularly to maintain VO2 max.”
Simple, low-cost approaches such as walking or bodyweight resistance training are highly effective, London added. “The cool thing is, even if you’ve never exercised, or if you haven’t exercised in a long time, you can still get benefits.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
U.S. Faces Deepening Political Divide Over Vaccination Policies
Electrical Stimulation Found to Boost Immune Healing Response
OTC Nasal Spray Shows Promise in Cutting COVID-19 Risk by 67%
