What is Physical Activity?
World Health Organization defines Physical Activity as “any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.”
Issues with Physical Inactivity
Physical inactivity (lack of physical activity) has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality (6% of deaths globally). Moreover, physical inactivity is estimated to be the main cause for approximately 21–25% of breast and colon cancers, 27% of diabetes and approximately 30% of ischaemic heart disease burden.
Obesity in America
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Physical Health Recommendations
Recommendations:
- Children and adolescents 5-17 yrs
- 60 mins moderate to vigorous physical activity
- More than 60 mins daily => Additional health benefits
- At least 3 times a week => Activities should strengthen muscles and bones
- Adults 18 – 64 yrs
- 150 mins moderate physical activity or 75 mins of vigorous physical activity
- More than 300 mins per week moderate physical activity => Additional health benefits
- At least 2 times a week => Activities should strengthen muscles
- Adults 65 yrs and above
- 150 mins moderate physical activity or 75 mins of vigorous physical activity
- More than 300 mins per week moderate physical activity => Additional health benefits
- At least 2 times a week => Activities should strengthen muscles
- Poor mobility => Physical activity 2 or more days a week
Citation:
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/index.html
World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
Center for Disease Control:
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html
https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html