The Health Benefits and Economics of Physical Activity

摘要

Decades of epidemiologic studies and more recent national health surveys have demonstrated the enormous public health impact of physical inactivity. The escalating sedentary lifestyle in the United States, throughout the Western world, and even in developing countries reflects a global epidemic that warrants greater attention from policy makers, health care professionals, and health care systems. Physical activity is associated with many beneficial physiological adaptations and helps prevent the development of many chronic diseases. It also is a useful adjunct to medication and other treatments for many chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (1). While the health benefits of activity are accepted widely, the fact remains that a small percentage of people in the Western world perform even the minimal recommended exercise (2). The following article will comment upon four principles related to physical activity and health: 1) both Western societies and developing countries are too sedentary and obese; 2) both higher fitness and physical activity patterns reduce mortality; 3) physical inactivity carries a heavy economic burden; and 4) health care professionals need to take a more active role in promoting physical activity.