There’s now more encouraging evidence that you don’t have to run marathons to make a difference in your health. According to new research, a brisk 20-minute walk each day could be enough to cut your risk of early death–even if you are obese
The study published in the American Journal of Clinical Exercise followed more than 334,000 European men and women and found that twice as many deaths may be attributable to lack of physical activity than to obesity. It also found that a modest boost in activity could make a big difference in a person’s health.
Small Change Equals Big Reward
Photo by Thinkstock
“This is a simple message: just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive,” said Ulf Ekelund, of the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, England, who led the study.
He added that we should really aim for more than that. “Physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life,” noted Ekelund.
The Deadly Effects of Inactivity
In the Cambridge study, researchers found that the greatest reduction in risk of premature death can be seen by comparing inactive and moderately-inactive groups. Subjects were categorized based on their level of work activity (such as being a desk worker vs. a nurse) and how active they were outside of work.
The study found that inactivity puts you at increased risk of:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Early death
Inactivity can also contribute to increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity, though the connection with early death is independent of your BMI, the researchers said.
Overweight or Not, Everyone Benefits
“Inactive” people – about 23 percent of participants – had sedentary jobs and no recreational activity. The researchers estimated that doing just 20 minutes of brisk walking every day or the equivalent, which would burn about 90 to 110 calories, would elevate a person into the “moderately inactive” group and reduce their risk of early death by 16 to 30 percent. There was a greater impact for people of normal weight, but “even those with a higher BMI saw a benefit,” researchers said.
“Helping people to lose weight can be a real challenge,” said Nick Wareham, director of the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit. He advocated for small changes that can make a big difference.
“Whilst we should continue to aim at reducing population levels of obesity, public health interventions that encourage people to make small but achievable changes in physical activity can have significant health benefits and may be easier to achieve and maintain,” said Wareham.
Related Articles
How Seniors Can Stay Active During the Winter
5 Useful Apps for Senior Living Residents
Copyright© 2015 Next Avenue, a division of Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.
For More Senior Health & Wellness Tips, Visit Us on Our Blog
Whether in independent living, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing, Bethesda offers the right amenities, services, programming, and staff to make every day full of purpose. See for yourself and tour our independent living communities, including Bethesda Barclay House – Clayton, Bethesda Gardens – Kirkwood, Bethesda Orchard – Webster Groves, Bethesda Terrace – South County, Village North Retirement Community – Florissant, and The Oaks at Bethesda Villas – Kirkwood/Webster. |
Want to find out more?
If you’d like to stay up to date with Bethesda Health Group, sign up here to receive our blog and newsletters!
"*" indicates required fields
Related Articles
Want to find out more?
If you’d like to stay up to date with Bethesda Health Group, sign up here to receive our blog and newsletters!
"*" indicates required fields