Regular vigorous physical activity and disability development in healthy overweight and normal-weight seniors: a 13-year study.

Objectives: We examined the relationship of regular exercise and body weight to disability among healthy seniors.

Methods: We assessed body mass index (BMI) and vigorous exercise yearly (1989-2002) in 805 participants aged 50 to 72 years at enrollment. We studied 4 groups: normal-weight active (BMI< 25 kg/m(2); exercise> 60 min/wk); normal-weight inactive (exerciseor= 25 kg/m(2)); and overweight inactive.