Exercise and physical activity improve health, but many adults do not move

More than a quarter of all adults in the world, 1.4 billion people, are not active enough to stay healthy. According to researchers at the World Health Organization, of which about 40% of adults in the United States, whose results were published in the journal. Lancet Global Health. Their analysis, based on data from 1.9 million people in 168 countries, found no improvement in levels of physical activity between 2001 and 2016. Women were less active than men in all regions of the world, with 1 in 3 women (vs 1). of 4 men) considered insufficiently active. Levels of inactivity were higher in the richest countries (37%) than in the poorest countries (16%). For good health, the guidelines require at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity. Research has shown that inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia and certain types of cancer. However, the beneficial effects of regular physical activity on health include: helping to lower your blood pressure, increase your "good" cholesterol levels, improve your blood sugar, control your weight and reduce your stress. A longer life, with fewer health problems, awaits those who get up and move.

Good health requires exercise, so why do not many Americans stick to it?