Why is a sedentary lifestyle dangerous?

Physical inactivity is one of the most common causes of death. In terms of the number of health problems caused, a sedentary lifestyle is second only to hypertension and high blood sugar. Due to the consequences associated with a sedentary lifestyle, more than 3 million people die every year in the world.

According to nutritionist Tatyana Evstigneeva (Russia), a sedentary lifestyle can cause a number of health problems.

“The main “target” of physical inactivity is the cardiovascular system,” said the specialist.

Patients have atherosclerotic vascular lesions that contribute to the development of coronary heart disease. There is arterial hypertension. The mortality rate from heart attack and heart failure in patients with physical inactivity is 20-30% higher than the average for the population.

According to the specialist, due to insufficient physical activity, the musculoskeletal system also suffers: the risk of osteoporosis increases, as well as the risk of fractures.

At the same time, an active lifestyle reduces the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes.

The specialist recalls that moderate regular exercise helps prevent the occurrence of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, problems with the large intestine. Sleep improves, mood improves, depression disappears.

What kind of physical activity can be considered sufficient to maintain health? For children, the specialist recommends an hour, for adults under 65 - two hours of moderate daily physical activity. However, this does not mean that you have to train for two hours in the gym. Walking and light jogging are also considered physical activity.

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