Only 25% of Americans Are Getting Enough Exercise

MOVE IT –

Dec. 9, 2023 – Exercise is the best medicine. It can aid in preventing and reducing obesity, boost overall mood, increase happy hormones, decrease cardiovascular disease and improve the overall quality of life. More than 50% of chronic health issues stem from physical inactivity. The Healthy People 2030 guidelines for physical activity are pretty straightforward: Adults need 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity. That equals about 21 minutes per day of physical activity — and, again, only 24% of adults are meeting that.

There are over seven different types of cancers that are linked to physical inactivity, as are depression and Type 2 diabetes. While environment and genetics also play a role in one’s predisposition to cancer, physical activity can target more body functions and organs than any other medicine or gene.

Looking at diabetes specifically, aerobic exercise compared to any pharmacology for diabetes is the biggest contributing factor to improving long-term health. This also applies to coronary heart disease and heart failure. It has been shown that increasing physical activity to meet the 150 minute per week guideline is just as effective as pharmacological medication.