Outrunning the risks: a behavioral risk profile of runners.

There is a need to assess better the relationship between physical activity and other health behaviors through population-based studies. Using the state-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, we examined the behavioral risk factors of smoking, alcohol use, hypertension detection, obesity, seat-belt use, and physical activity in 2,412 runners and 26,538 nonrunners. Our analyses demonstrated marked differences in behavioral risk profiles between runners and nonrunners. Runners, regardless of the amount of running, were more likely to be nonsmokers, be of normal weight, be normotensive, and regularly use seat belts than were nonrunners of similar age and sex. Patterns of alcohol use were not different when comparing male runners with male nonrunners. However, female runners were more likely to drink and drive and to use alcohol on a chronic basis compared to their nonrunning counterparts. The "runner's lifestyle" may convey a certain level of protection from chronic disorders that are associated with these risk factors. However, further prospective studies are needed to examine in more detail the relationship of running to the risks and/or benefits for improved health.