Scientific studies are all unanimous on the benefits ofphysical activity about health. This new research confirms that even 20 minutes of walking a day is enough to reduce the risk of early mortality.
For 12 years, researchers at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom) have exploited data from the European Prospective Study on Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC). They analyzed the medical data of 334,000 men and women. A quarter of the participants were completely inactive. The results of their study showed that the sedentary lifestyle was a real risk factor for early death. It is associated with problems such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, as well as an increased risk of premature death from all causes. Indeed, by crossing these data with those from mortality in Europe of the World Health Organization (WHO), the scientists established that 337,000 deaths were due to obesity and that the double was linked to a sedentary lifestyle. On the other hand, it does not seem so complicated for researchers to become active.
“Physical exercise equivalent to 20 minutes of vigorous walking each day (and burning between 90 and 112 kilocalories) is enough to move from the “inactive” category to the “moderately inactive” category, which reduces the risk of premature death among 16% and 30%,” recalls Professor Ulf Ekelund.
Walking: consume regularly
To keep in shape and preserve your health, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends taking 10,000 steps a day. The benefits of physical activity are scientifically proven. The regular practice of a sport reduces the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 39%, the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 26%, the risk of suffering a stroke by 25% and 34% the risk of diabetes. Physical inactivity is today the 4th risk factor for early mortality in the world after high blood pressure, smoking and diabetes.
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