Fitness-related physical activity intensity explains most of the association between accelerometer data and cardiometabolic health in persons 50-64 years old.

The highly interconnected role of CRF in the association between PA and cardiometabolic health suggests limited direct effects of PA on cardiometabolic health beyond its impact on CRF. The findings highlight the importance of sufficient PA intensity for the association with CRF, which in turn is linked to better cardiometabolic health.