New Delhi (NVI): Between three and five million deaths annually can be attributed to insufficient physical activity, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Physical inactivity increases people’s risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes and dementia, it said.
It says that insufficient physical activity is on the rise in many countries and globally, one in four adults are not active enough.
Insufficient physical activity is one of the risk factors for death, the global health body said.
According to the WHO, insufficient physical activity leads to burden of non-communicable diseases and affects the general health worldwide.
It further stated that regular and adequate levels of physical activity helps builds strong bones and muscles, protect from chronic diseases and many cancers. Besides, supporting learning and preventing cognitive decline, it also supports healthy ageing.
Increasing physical activity can prevent children from becoming obese, it said. Obesity, a global epidemic, is a known contributor to several cancers, including breast, colon, and pancreatic. “Less screen time, more play and recreation time is key,” said WHO in another tweet.
Adults (18+) need 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity to improve and maintain health. That means exercising for half an hour for five days in a week at least.
“Physical activity can be done anytime, anywhere,” says another tweet on the official handle of WHO. “You don’t have to go to a gym to be physically active. Walking is the most common physical activity and is highly recommended. It is absolutely free!” says another tweet.
“We are constantly on the move but not necessarily active,” WHO said, underlining the way in which modernisation and urban life have affected human health.
