The health of 95% of the French population would be threatened by a sedentary lifestyle and the lack of physical activity.
- WHO recommends 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 days a week
- ANSES estimates that 95% of the French population is too sedentary and does not practice enough physical activity
- The Agency suggests activities that develop muscle resistance, muscle building and flexibility
We have to move ! This is the instruction that derives from the latest opinion published by ANSES (National Health Security Agency) which emphasizes that 95% of the French population would be “exposed to a risk of deterioration of health due to lack of physical activity or too long time spent sitting”. And it is a “horse” remedy that the Agency recommends. To preserve our health, it would be imperative:
– to practice for 30 minutes and 5 times a week a cardiorespiratory activity (running, cycling, climbing stairs, walking at a good pace…)
– to perform muscle strengthening once or twice a week (carrying a heavy load, playing tennis, swimming or aerobics, etc.)
– to perform stretching exercises 2 to 3 times a week (gymnastics, dance, yoga, etc.)
With such a program, we are well beyond the WHO recommendations on the physical activity to practice to stay in good health since these are limited to suggesting 30 minutes of “moderate to high” activity 5 times a week.
A higher risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer
But above all, we are very far from the effective practice of physical activity: 42% of men and 70% of women are below these levels given by ANSES. And worse, the Agency stresses that more than a third of adults combine insufficient physical activity and a high level of sedentary lifestyle. “They are more exposed to cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers and also more at risk of hypertension and obesity”says Pr Irène Margaritis, head of the nutrition risk assessment unit at ANSES.
But the latter recognizes that, if personal initiative occupies an important place both in the reduction of a sedentary lifestyle and in the regular practice of physical activity, “it is the very organization of our lifestyles that needs to be reviewed, in the public space by leaving more room for active mobility such as cycling or walking, in the workplace by limiting sedentary time and by promoting the practice of sport and in the school system by increasing the space and time dedicated to physical and sporting activities”.
ANSES had already alerted at the end of 2020 to the lack of physical activity among young people.
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