Running is one of the most popular physical activities across the world. Countless studies have shown that running has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health.

Among other things, it has been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, improve lung function, boost cognitive function, and help with weight control. However, some studies have raised concerns about the potential link between running and premature death.

What is premature death?

Premature death is often defined as death that occurs before an expected age. This expected age varies depending on factors such as sex, race, and geography.

Premature death can be caused by a range of factors, including accidents, diseases, and health conditions. Common causes of premature death include cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.

The benefits of running

Running is one of the most popular exercises worldwide, and for good reasons. Some of the benefits of running include:.

Improving cardiovascular health – Running helps to lower blood pressure, increase lung capacity, and improve overall cardiovascular function.
Reducing stress and anxiety – Running activates the release of endorphins, which are hormones that help to reduce stress and elevate mood.
Assisting with weight management – Running is one of the most effective exercises for burning calories, which can help with weight control.
Boosting cognitive function – Running has been shown to improve cognitive function in areas such as attention, memory, and learning.

Potential risks of running

While running has many benefits, there are also potential risks associated with the activity. Some of these risks include:.

Injuries – Running has a high impact on the body, which can lead to injuries such as stress fractures, shin splints, and knee injuries.
Heat stroke – Running in hot weather can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke.
Heart attacks – While running is excellent for cardiovascular health, pushing oneself too hard during a run can lead to heart attacks in some individuals.
Premature death – Recent studies have raised concerns about the link between running and premature death.

What does research says?

Recent studies have shown that running can significantly reduce a person’s risk of premature death. One study by Lee et al. (2014) found that runners have a 30% lower risk of death from all-causes compared to non-runners. In a separate study, Pedisic et al.

(2019) found that regular physical activity, including running, reduced the risk of premature death by 23% to 44%.

However, some studies have raised concerns about the potential link between running and premature death. A study by Zaccardi et al.

(2019) found that high-intensity running may be associated with an increased risk of death compared to moderate-intensity running. In another study, Schnohr et al. (2015) found a U-shaped relationship between running and mortality risk, where both too little and too much running were associated with an increased risk of premature death.

The importance of moderation

While these studies have raised concerns about the potential risks of running, it’s important to note that these risks are often associated with extremes.

Both too little and too much exercise can be harmful and lead to an increased risk of premature death. The key to getting the most benefits from running while minimizing risks is to engage in moderate exercise. This means running at a moderate intensity and frequency that is appropriate for a person’s individual fitness level and health status.

Conclusion

Running is an excellent form of exercise for promoting physical and mental health. Research has shown that regular running can reduce the risk of premature death significantly.

However, it’s imperative to moderate one’s running routine to minimize the risk of injury or other adverse consequences.