Experts estimate that life expectancy would increase by three years, coronary heart disease would decrease by 25 percent and congestive heart failure and stroke would decrease by 35 percent if everyone reached a healthy body weight. Less active and less fit people have a 30 percent to 50 percent risk of high blood pressure. Americans tend to underestimate what they eat by 50 percent primarily because they don t understand serving sizes. For example, the official USDA serving size for a bagel is 2 ounces, but bagels served in restaurants are typically 4-5 ounces. 20 or older consume 1,613 calories per day.
Physical inactivity increases with age and is more common among women than men.
Individuals who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, osteoporosis and certain forms of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who are usually inactive can improve their health and well-being by becoming even moderately active on a regular basis. Physical activity need not be strenuous to achieve health benefits, and greater health benefits can be achieved by increasing the amount of physical activity.