Through Physical Activity and Sports A Report to the President From the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Education Background Benefits of Physical Activity. How Our Society Discourages Physical Activity. When physical inactivity is combined with poor diet, the impact on health is devastating, accounting for an estimated 300,000 deaths per year. 7 Tobacco use is the only behavior that kills more people. The Surgeon General s report made clear that the health benefits of physical activity are not limited to adults.
Helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
Helps control weight, build lean muscle, and reduce fat. Prevents or delays the development of high blood pressure and helps reduce blood pressure in some adolescents with hypertension. Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety. Through its effects on mental health, physical activity may help increase students capacity for learning. Although research has not been conducted to conclusively demonstrate a direct link between physical activity and improved academic performance, such a link might be expected.