Women's Health and Fitness: Why a Different Approach is Needed

 

The recent executive order signed by President Joe Biden to improve women's health research is a crucial step forward. For centuries, medical research has focused primarily on men, ignoring sex differences and extrapolating findings to women. This has led to incomplete, poor, and even harmful medical advice for women. Dr. Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist, has dedicated her career to determining how women should eat and exercise for optimal health.

Cardiac arrest is a prime example of the importance of sex-specific research. Despite women being nearly twice as likely to die from heart attacks as men, a 2007 study recommended against differentiating heart attack symptoms between men and women. Women remain underrepresented in medical literature, and misogynistic attitudes persist. While the US National Institutes of Health implemented a policy in 2016 requiring researchers to consider sex as a variable, the results were mixed.

Dr. Sims emphasizes the importance of strength training for women to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's. Women should prioritize eating more protein to support building muscle, especially as they age. High-intensity interval training is also crucial for women's cardiovascular health. Women recover from exercise differently than men, experiencing vasodilation, which can lead to lightheadedness and dizziness. Drinking something cold after exercise can help alleviate this.

Nutritionally, women require more protein than men, especially as they age. Dr. Sims recommends 1-1.1 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. Women should also consume protein before and after exercise to facilitate muscle repair and strength. Intermittent fasting and training in Zone 2 may be beneficial for men, but not for women. Women need to prioritize their unique physiological needs to achieve optimal health outcomes.

In conclusion, women's health and fitness require a different approach than men's. It's crucial to consider sex differences in research and medical advice to ensure women receive appropriate care. Dr. Sims' work highlights the importance of strength training, protein intake, and high-intensity interval training for women's health. By acknowledging and addressing these differences, we can improve women's health outcomes and promote gender equality in medical research.