Save your Life: EXERCISE

New Report: Lack Of Exercise Causes As Many Deaths As Smoking

A new report in the Lancet estimates that about a third of adults are not doing enough physical activity, resulting in  5.3m deaths a year caused by chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and breast and colon cancer.

The researchers said tackling it would require a new way of thinking, the public needed to be warned about the dangers of inactivity rather than just reminded of the benefits of exercise. And that governments should do more to find ways to make exercise convenient, affordable and safe.

The Lancet study found those in wealthier countries were the least active with the UK ranking among the worst, as nearly two-thirds of adults were judged not to be doing enough, when the current guidelines recommend adults to do 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week.

The researchers said, “The global challenge is clear – make physical activity a public health priority throughout the world to improve health and reduce the burden of disease.”

Prof Lindsey Davies, president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, agreed.

References

Das, P, Horton. R, Rethinking Our Approach to Physical Activity, The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 18 July 2012 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61024-1  http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2812%2961024-1/fulltext

Hallal. P, Bauman. A, Heath. G, Kohl. H, Lee, I.M, Pratt. M, Physical activity: more of the same is not enough,  The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 18 July 2012 doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61027-7 http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2812%2961027-7/fulltext

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-politics-18876880

by alexcarson on July 18, 2012

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