Exercise Boosts Longevity More Than Cutting Drinking, New Study Finds

New data from the Norwegian HUNT study suggest improving cardiorespiratory fitness yields a bigger longevity benefit than simply reducing alcohol intake. People in the bottom 20% fitness had higher mortality risk regardless of alcohol use; those who increased or maintained fitness showed lower mortality risk even with higher alcohol consumption. Fitness benefits plateau at high levels, so sedentary individuals should prioritize getting active, while those already fit but who drink heavily should cut back. Fitness cannot fully offset cancer risk from alcohol, though it can blunt some cardiovascular risks.