Our epidemic of inactivity contributes to 250,000 deaths a year, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Sedentary living and junk-food diets have combined to cause an alarming increase in obesity, even among children, many of whom are developing chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol once seen only in adults. Inactivity-associated ailments, such as high blood pressure and osteoporosis, are also on the rise as the population ages. Despite the much publicized fitness movement, fewer than one of every four adults exercises regularly. Compared to strenuous goals in the past, today the message is simpler.
Research shows that moderate activity can yield major health benefits.
The health benefits of moderate activity are substantial, the report notes. They include a reduced risk of numerous chronic diseases including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and colon cancer and improved mental health and enhanced physical functioning. Most sedentary people who add 30 minutes of moderate activity to their days will lose some body fat and experience improvements in blood pressure, blood glucose and blood cholesterol. People can consult the Physical Activity Pyramid to illustrate what they can do to achieve their health and fitness goals. The base of the pyramid represents the accumulated 30 minutes of moderate activity per day needed to gain health benefits.