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79. Couch-potatoes Have Short Lives
2013-09-06
Lack of exercise could be causing as many deaths around the world as smoking, according to an article in the science magazine The Lancet.
As thousands of Olympic athletes prepare to push their bodies to the limit, most of us sit inactive for hours in front of a TV set.
But the scientists say they are not suggesting difficult physical activity.
The aim is to encourage everyone to think about fitness and build physical activity into their daily lives, such as walking, gardening or any energetic pursuit.
Despite the familiarity of the message, one in three adults worldwide fails to do the recommended 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
So, rather than stressing the health benefits of a good workout, The Lancet researchers have decided to show the harm caused by inactivity. They estimate lack of exercise is responsible for about 5.3million deaths a year: about the same number as smoking.
Sitting around doing nothing can lead to coronary heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and breast and bowel cancers.
