A new study reveals that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, equivalent to a brisk walk, can reduce the risk of health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The study analyzed 196 peer-reviewed articles, which included 30 million participants and was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. The study found that performing at least 75 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week could reduce premature death by 23%. Inactive individuals who met the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity per week had a 31% lower risk of death by any cause and a 29% reduction in cancer-related deaths. Even half the amount of the recommended physical activity carried significant health benefits, reducing cardiovascular disease risk by 17% and cancer by 7%. The researchers suggest that easy-to-incorporate activities that people enjoy are an excellent way to increase physical activity levels. If everyone in the study engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity, nearly one in six premature deaths would be prevented, according to the research.
Physical activity can help reduce the risk of various health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer, according to a new study. The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed 196 peer-reviewed articles and included 30 million participants. It found that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for 75 minutes a week could lead to a 23% reduction in premature death. The study also revealed that even half of that level of physical activity could result in significant health benefits.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for almost 18 million deaths in 2019. Cancer killed nearly 10 million people in 2020, according to estimates. The research showed that people who met the recommended physical activity guidelines had a 31% lower risk of death by any cause and a 29% lower risk of death by cancer compared to inactive participants.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity each week or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity over the same period. However, the study found that moderate activity didn’t necessarily have to involve traditional forms of exercise, such as running or sports. Replacing some habits could also help, according to Dr. Leandro Garcia from the Centre for Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast.
“Doing activities that you enjoy and that are easy to include in your weekly routine is an excellent way to become more active,” said Garcia.
Furthermore, engaging in physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of various types of cancer, including leukemia, according to the study. The researchers noted that if everyone in the study completed at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity, nearly one in six early deaths would be prevented, along with one in nine cardiovascular disease cases and one in 20 cancer cases.
Dr. Soren Brage of the University of Cambridge emphasized the importance of physical activity and how even small changes can make a difference.
“If you are someone who finds the idea of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week a bit daunting, then our findings should be good news,” said Brage. “Doing some physical activity is better than doing none. This is also a good starting position – if you find that 75 minutes a week is manageable, then you could try stepping it up gradually to the full recommended amount.”
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of various health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer. The study’s results suggest that even small changes, such as replacing certain habits, can help individuals become more active and achieve significant health benefits. Engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 75 minutes a week could lead to a 23% reduction in premature death, and meeting the recommended guidelines of at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity each week could result in a 31% lower risk of death by any cause and a 29% lower risk of death by cancer.
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