The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality and is responsible for around 3.2 million deaths a year, of which 670,000 of these are premature.
Physical inactivity is a modifiable risk factor for:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Type II Diabetes
- Colon and Breast cancer
- Bone and joint diseases (Osteoporosis & Osteoarthritis)
- Depression
Physical Activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
People who are physically active are at lower risk of premature death than people who are not active. In fact studies have found that being physically active was associated with a greater than 50% reduction of dying of a stroke or heart attack.
Physical Activity reduces the risk of Type II Diabetes
Regular physical activity prevents the risk of Type II Diabetes, and is also effective in the management of Type II Diabetes.
Both aerobic and resistance training have been shown to be of benefit for the control of diabetes, however resistance training may have greater benefits for glycaemic control than aerobic training. Studies have shown significant reductions in glycosylated haemoglobin, similar to that observed in intensive glucose lowering therapy, following physical activity!
Physical Activity reduces the risk of Cancer
There is compelling evidence that routine/regular physical activity is associated with reductions in the incidence of specific cancers, in particular breast and colon cancer! Physical activity reduces the relative risk of colon cancer in men and women by 30%-40%, and breast cancer in women by 20%-30%
Physical Activity reduces the risk of Osteoporosis
Regular physical activity, particularly resistance training or high impact activities prevent the loss of bone mineral density and osteoporosis – particularly in postmenopausal women.
Physical Activity improves mental health and wellbeing
In addition to the benefits of physical activity on improving health and reducing risk factors for chronic disease, it has been shown to be effective in improving mental health, which is also a major cause of disability worldwide. It has been suggested that physical activity may have effects on treating depression comparable to Prozac or behavioural therapy
Healthy Active 