Improving health
How exercise can reduce common health problems and major chronic diseases
Obesity
Number of obese in UK has increased threefold between 1980 and 2002. This epidemic is caused by imbalance between expenditure and energy intake – people are insufficiently active to balance the energy (calories) they consume from food and drink, resulting in positive energy balance which translates in the longer term to increases in overweight and obesity. This is supported by evidence of decreases in overall activity and sports participation rates.
Coronary Heart Disease
A UK study estimates that 37% of coronary heart disease is attributable to physical inactivity. Also if those who are sedentary of have marginally active lifestyles changes to moderate level of activity this could achieve a 10% reduction in CHD.
Prevention of some Cancers
- Physical inactivity causes around one-fifth of all colon cancers.
- Physical inactivity may contribute to around 12% of breast cancer.
Diabetes
The risk of developing diabetes is lower in people who are physically active than those who are sedentary, even after adjustment for body mass index;
Activity levels of people with diabetes are particularly low with 50% reporting sedentary behaviour.
Falls Prevention
Physical activity is a beneficial component of the prevention of injurious falls, partly through effects on muscle strengthening and balance, and possibly through maintaining bone density;
Being active in adolescence is important for the prevention of osteoporosis and the risk of hip fractures decades later.
Other proven health benefits
- There is evidence that moderate physical activity relieves symptoms and reduces joint swelling for people with osteo-arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis;
- Physical activity positively influences the immune system
- Aerobic exercise reduces the symptoms of depression
- Physical activity is as effective as meditation or relaxation in the treatment of anxiety
More information can be found on BBC Health