Physical exercise practiced in adolescence would have a positive impact on the health of women throughout their lives and reduce the risk of dying prematurely from cancer.
Researchers at the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center (USA) analyzed data from approximately 75,000 women aged 40 to 70 who participated in the Shanghai Women’s Health Study to understand the impact of physical activity on adolescence on lifelong health. Participants reported details of their adult lifestyle and physical activity between 13 and 19 years old. Scientists tracked the participants’ death rates and encountered them every 3 years for 13 years.
The findings of the study showed that women who sport (1.33 hours per week) in adolescence have a 16% reduced risk of death from cancer, and 15% of death from all causes.
Girls who exercised more than 1.33 hours of sport per week had a 13% lower risk of death from all causes.
The researchers also found that women who played team sports in adolescence had a 14% reduced risk of death from cancer, and 10% of death from all causes. They also observed that women who played sports in adolescence and then continued into adulthood had a 20% reduced risk of death from all causes.
Physical activity: WHO recommendations
To keep fit and maintain health, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking 10,000 steps per day. The benefits of physical activity are indeed scientifically proven. Regular sports practice can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 39%, the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 26%, the risk of having a stroke by 25% and the risk of diabetes is 34%. Sedentary lifestyle is today the 4th risk factor for mortality in the world after high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
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