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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.

Thousands and thousands of deaths result each year due to a lack of regular physical activity. In addition:

Inactivity tends to increase with age.
Women are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles than men.
Non-Hispanic white adults are more likely to engage in physical activity than Hispanic and non-Hispanic black adults.