This is twice as deadly as obesityand millions are guilty of it

Obesity can take years off an individual’s life, contributing to chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. More than one-third of adults in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), but millions more are guilty of something now being considered even more deadly than excess pounds: physical inactivity. SEE ALSO: Benefits of exercising: How it affects every organ in your body According to new research from author Ulf Ekelund, a sport medicine professor who works in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, a lack of adequate exercise is twice as deadly as obesity, regardless of an individual’s weight. Ekelund’s research followed more than 300,000 individuals over a 12-year period. Study participants were categorized based on physical activity, with individuals exercising less than 20 minutes a day considered inactive. Over the course of the study, researchers looked at possible links between inactivity and early death, concluding at the end of the research that early death and inactivity were related at all levels, though they were most evident among people of “normal” weight and among people who were considered inactive. Burning just 90-110 calories a day, what researchers say is the equivalent of a daily 20-minute brisk walk, was enough to move an individual from the inactive to the moderately inactive group and reduce their risk of early death by 16-30 percent. Ekelund told MNT, “Just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive.” The professor indicated that, while 20 minutes could make a significant difference in a person’s health, the goal should be to do more than just 20 minutes because “physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life.” SEE ALSO: Is there such a thing as exercising too much? The experts weigh in Indeed, the benefits of physical activity are almost innumerable when broken down by disease; however, the CDC indicates there are 8 main reasons to stay physically active. According to the agency, physical activity: Controls weight. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reduces the risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic disease. Reduces the risk of certain cancers. Strengthens bones and muscles. Improves mental health and mood. Maintains the ability to perform daily functions as an older adult.The post This is twice as deadly as obesity–and millions are guilty of it appeared first on Voxxi.

Por Hope Gillette

26 Ene 2015, 12:01 PM EST

Just 20 minutes a day could make a huge difference in your life expectancy. (Shutterstock)

Obesity can take years off an individual’s life, contributing to chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s. More than one-third of adults in the United States are obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), but millions more are guilty of something now being considered even more deadly than excess pounds: physical inactivity.

According to new research from author Ulf Ekelund, a sport medicine professor who works in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, a lack of adequate exercise is twice as deadly as obesity, regardless of an individual’s weight.

Ekelund’s research followed more than 300,000 individuals over a 12-year period. Study participants were categorized based on physical activity, with individuals exercising less than 20 minutes a day considered inactive.

Over the course of the study, researchers looked at possible links between inactivity and early death, concluding at the end of the research that early death and inactivity were related at all levels, though they were most evident among people of “normal” weight and among people who were considered inactive.

Physical activity is important as you age — Staying active as you age keeps you active, longer. (Shutterstock)

Burning just 90-110 calories a day, what researchers say is the equivalent of a daily 20-minute brisk walk, was enough to move an individual from the inactive to the moderately inactive group and reduce their risk of early death by 16-30 percent.

Ekelund told MNT, “Just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive.” The professor indicated that, while 20 minutes could make a significant difference in a person’s health, the goal should be to do more than just 20 minutes because “physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life.”

Indeed, the benefits of physical activity are almost innumerable when broken down by disease; however, the CDC indicates there are 8 main reasons to stay physically active. According to the agency, physical activity: