Risks of Physical Inactivity
What health risks are associated with physical inactivity?
Lack of physical activity has clearly been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other conditions:
Less active, less fit persons have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure.
Studies indicate that physically active people are less likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who are inactive--even after the researchers accounted for smoking, alcohol use, and diet.
Lack of physical activity can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Physical inactivity may increase the risk of certain cancers.
Physically active overweight or obese people significantly reduced their risk for disease with physical activity.