Exercise is generally regarded as a healthy activity that can improve physical fitness, mental health, and overall quality of life.

However, there is increasing evidence that excessive or intensive exercise may have negative effects on health, including an increased risk of premature death.

What Is Excessive or Intensive Exercise?

Excessive or intensive exercise refers to physical activity that exceeds the recommended guidelines for health and fitness.

These guidelines vary depending on age, sex, and overall health, but typically recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

Excessive exercise may involve engaging in physical activity for extended periods of time, such as hours per day, or engaging in high-intensity activities that place a great deal of stress on the body, such as heavy weight lifting or endurance running.

The Relationship Between Exercise and Premature Death Risk

The relationship between exercise and premature death risk is complex and not fully understood.

While regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, there may be a point at which too much exercise becomes harmful.

A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2018 investigated the relationship between exercise volume and all-cause mortality risk.

The study found that individuals who engaged in high levels of physical activity, such as more than 500 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, had a higher risk of premature death than those who engaged in moderate levels of physical activity, such as 150-249 minutes per week.

The study also found that individuals who engaged in high levels of physical activity had a similar mortality risk to those who were inactive, suggesting that there may be a threshold beyond which exercise is no longer beneficial for health.

There are several potential mechanisms by which excessive or intensive exercise may increase the risk of premature death. These include:.

Injury or Acute Cardiovascular Events

Engaging in high-intensity physical activity can place a great deal of stress on the body, increasing the risk of injuries or acute cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes.

While these events are relatively rare in healthy individuals, they may occur more frequently in individuals who engage in extreme levels of exercise.

Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Excessive exercise may also lead to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which are associated with a range of chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress occur when the body’s normal processes of inflammation and antioxidant defense are prolonged or disrupted, leading to tissue damage and increased disease risk.

Reduced Immune Function

Excessive exercise may also lead to reduced immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections and other illnesses.

This can be particularly problematic in athletes who engage in high levels of physical activity and are exposed to a range of potential pathogens through travel, competitions, and contact with other athletes.

Increased Physical and Mental Stress

Finally, excessive exercise can increase both physical and mental stress, which can have negative effects on health.

Physical stress can lead to increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and injury risk, while mental stress can lead to a range of negative psychological and physiological effects including anxiety, depression, and impaired immune function.

Conclusion

While exercise is generally considered a healthy activity that can benefit many aspects of health, there may be a point at which too much exercise becomes harmful.

Excessive or intensive exercise can increase the risk of premature death through a range of mechanisms, including injury, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, reduced immune function, and increased physical and mental stress.

Individuals should aim to engage in regular physical activity that is appropriate for their age, sex, and overall health, and should consult a healthcare professional before engaging in high-intensity or excessive exercise.