VO2 max is the greatest predictor of lifespan

This clip is from episode # 294 of The Drive, Peak athletic performance: How to measure it and how to train for it, with Olav Aleksander Bu.

In the full episode, they discuss:

- The relationship between VO2 max, power output, and endurance performance in different sporting contexts
- Training interventions to increase VO2 max, and factors that impact performance outcomes
- Physiological limitations on VO2 max
- And more

Listen free (ep. # 294) on Peter's website or your favorite podcast player. Become a premium member to access our extensive show notes for this episode.

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About:

The Peter Attia Drive is a deep-dive podcast focusing on maximizing longevity, and all that goes into that from physical to cognitive to emotional health. With over 90 million episodes downloaded, it features topics including exercise, nutritional biochemistry, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, mental health, and much more.

Peter Attia is the founder of Early Medical, a medical practice that applies the principles of Medicine 3.0 to patients with the goal of lengthening their lifespan and simultaneously improving their healthspan.

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[SpoileralertGMA]

The coolest part is that if you are doing things that earn you a high V02 max you likely won’t have the other issues mentioned!

[Ditto]

Just need to find out what VO2 max is now….

[FlatToRentUK]

There's so many people out there who think health outcomes are largely out of our control. If a high VO2 Max predicts good health and VO2 Max is within our gift to improve then by extension our health outcomes are in our control.

And with that said I'm going for a HIIT session....

[AnnaMO-kbir]

My father is 88, still works full time, lifts weights, lives alone, and still plays the French horn.

[gtkona]

It is likely that overall health, no cardiovascular issues, no diabetes, no smoking, etc., strongly contribute to having a high VO2 max. I have met world class endurance athletes and they were different than the rest of us.

[ecospider]

My mitochondrial system is broken. So my VO2 max was terrible when I was 40 years old. My goal is to maintain that level as long as I can. I have achieved this for 15 years. We will see how things go the next 15 years.

I have started on Rapamycin and Acarbose. They seem to be having a positive affect.

[PeterSdrolias]

Lifespan is only part of it. Quality of life is just as important if not more so.

[barbarab]

Power walk as much as you can daily, up to 90 min

[johngaiger]

At the point that I changed my diet to lower my cholesterol levels, my VO2 max was 41
It has since gradually risen to 43 and stayed there. 
That was with no change to my exercise regime. It's not a massive change, but it does show that diet impacts on VO2 max levels.

[harenterberge]

I love the part where he explains what VO2max is.

[Ve-suvius]

In my opinion it's as simple as this. Eat healthy, and certainly not too much. Sleep enough, move around enough, leave the car. Sports is not needed, walking, bicycle, moving around yes. And the right genetics should be there also. Forget about the worrying. Live your life.

[thomasburnett]

That our current technology and understanding can provide us…

[Bouje]

Do people who live to be 100 … is it true that they have been mostly athletes ? I don’t think so? I do know that even if exercise doesn’t cause me to live significantly longer it’s still worth it to me because I feel better when I exercise.

[pragmaticoptimist]

What constitutes a “high” VO2 max? And perhaps “normal high” rather than Olympian high.

[jaym]

How does VO2 Max compare with low protein intake?

[universeusa]

VO2 max (or maximal oxygen consumption) is indeed considered one of the best predictors of overall cardiovascular health and fitness. While high VO2 max levels are associated with better cardiovascular health, endurance performance, and overall fitness, it is not the sole predictor of lifespan.

Many factors contribute to an individual's lifespan, including genetics, lifestyle choices, diet, overall health, access to healthcare, environmental factors, and more. While having a high VO2 max can indicate good cardiovascular health and fitness, it is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to predicting lifespan.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can all play a significant role in promoting longevity and overall well-being.

So, while VO2 max is an important indicator of cardiovascular fitness, it is not the only factor that determines lifespan. A holistic approach to health that takes into account various aspects of well-being is essential for promoting a long and healthy life. 🙏

[thomasarbec]

I agree. However, I have a dilated aorta so intense exercise is not recommended!

[captainhowdy-]

Jesus. Now this? If you’re not familiar with VO2 max, it basically tells you how well your muscles can access and use oxygenated blood. It’s a bear to try and increase as you get older. And most of us mortal beings will never achieve high levels of VO2 max. And if this were true, then all elite athletes would have the longest life spans; and we simply know that isn’t true.

[Iceman-xejo]

The problem is the older you get the harder it is to maintain this kind of fitness level. It’s easy to talk this when your in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. As joints wear away and arthritis creeps in try maxing your VO2 then.

[lillysgrandmaable]

Helps to know if you have any anemia disorders with VO2 max