Larger-breasted women less likely to engage in high-intensity exercise, new study suggests
A survey of Parkrun participants has shown breast-reduction surgery can help some women lead more active lives, say researchers
A new study has found women with larger breasts tend to exercise less frequently and avoid high-intensity exercise, and that breast-reduction surgery for some women can lead to improved participation in running and other recreational group fitness activities.
The study, published in the Journal of Reconstructive Surgery, is based on the results of a survey completed by female participants of U.K.-based Parkrun, which promotes free 5-km running and walking events in 26 countries, including Canada.
Most of the 1,987 study participants were involved in Parkrun programs in Australia, England and South Africa, but women from Canada and nine other countries also took part in the study. The women, who were all over the age of 18 and had no history of breast cancer, were categorized by bra size, ranging from AA to size H and larger. In addition to asking participants about their exercise habits and attitudes toward physical activity, researchers incorporated Parkrun data that was available for more than 70 per cent of the participants, including average 5-km finish times at Parkrun events.
The survey found not only that women with bigger breasts believed reducing their breast size would improve their exercise performance and participation, but that the 56 participants who had undergone breast-reduction surgery reported leading more healthy and active lifestyles.
“Women who had undergone breast reduction reported increased overall frequency, enjoyment and willingness to exercise in a group,” says lead author Dr. Claire Baxter of Flinders Medical Centre in Southern Australia. “Our study found that breast size affects exercise habits and that breast reduction surgery changes their willingness to exercise.”
The study also showed a clear linear relationship between smaller cup sizes and faster 5-km finishing times. The mean speed of 5-km runs stratified by cup size ranged from more than 10 km/h for runners with AA cup sizes, to 8 km/hr for those with H cup sizes and larger.
Along with comparisons between 5-km Parkrun competition times and bra size, the study also looked at the cup-size satisfaction levels, which showed more self-satisfaction with AA, A, B and C cup sizes than DD, E, F, G and H or greater.
In addition, life satisfaction and happiness was significantly related to bra size, with cup sizes greater than E reliably reporting lower mean results.
“The benefits of breast reduction surgery need more awareness and academic support,” says Baxter.
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