Physical activity is important for maintaining our overall health. Regular physical activity has been linked to decreased rates of chronic diseases and early death. On the other hand, physical inactivity is associated with many negative health outcomes.

Research has shown that physical inactivity can lead to increased rates of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, among others. In this article, we will explore why physical inactivity is considered deadly and what the research says about its risks.

What is Physical Inactivity?

Physical inactivity is defined as not getting enough physical exercise. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure above the resting metabolic rate.

This includes activities such as exercise, sports, and leisure-time activities, as well as activities performed in the workplace or during transportation. Physical inactivity is a major public health concern that has been linked to many negative health outcomes.

The Risks of Physical Inactivity

Physical inactivity has been linked to many negative health outcomes. Adults who are physically inactive have higher rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.

Physical inactivity is also linked to a greater risk of premature death. The risks associated with physical inactivity appear to be independent of other risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition.

How Does Physical Inactivity Affect Our Health?

The harmful effects of physical inactivity are thought to occur through multiple mechanisms, including alterations in metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Physical inactivity is also associated with changes in the structure and function of our muscles, bones, and joints. The effects of physical inactivity on our health are complex and multifactorial, and the exact mechanisms by which physical inactivity affects our health are still not fully understood.

The Benefits of Physical Activity

The benefits of physical activity are numerous. Regular physical activity can help us maintain a healthy weight, reduce our risk of chronic diseases, and improve our overall health and well-being.

Physical activity has also been shown to improve mental health outcomes, including depression and anxiety. Physical activity can help improve our strength and endurance, flexibility, and balance, which can help reduce our risk of falls and injuries. Additionally, physical activity can improve our quality of life and increase our life expectancy.

How Much Physical Activity Do We Need?

The WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.

Additionally, adults should engage in muscle-strengthening activities at least two days per week. Children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day.

These recommendations are designed to help promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity.

Conclusion

Physical inactivity is a major public health concern that has been linked to many negative health outcomes. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, has been shown to have numerous health benefits.

The risks associated with physical inactivity appear to be independent of other risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition. To promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases associated with physical inactivity, it is important to engage in regular physical activity and to minimize sedentary behavior.