One in ten premature deaths could be prevented if at least half the recommended level of physical activity was performedaccording to a new study by researchers at the University of Cambridge.
In this way, it would suffice 11 minutes a day (75 minutes a weekhalf the amount recommended by the US Institute of Health) of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walk.
Being active for 75 minutes a week is enough to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Only this physical activity was associated with 23% lower risk of premature death compared to inactive participants. Being active for 75 minutes a week was also enough to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by 17% and cancer by 7%.
Participants who had gotten the minimum recommended amount of 150 minutes of exercise per week (or 22 minutes per day) had a 31% lower risk of dying from any cause, a 29% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, and a 15% less risk of dying from cancer. The same amount of exercise was linked with a 27% lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and a 12% lower risk of cancer.
Generally speaking, beyond 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, additional benefits in terms of reduced risk of disease or early death seem to be marginal.
Results after reviewing almost 200 studies
To achieve these results, the team has carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of all the published evidence, which has allowed them to bring together studies that on their own did not provide enough evidence and, at times, conflicted with each other. In order to provide more robust conclusions.
Thus, in total, the authors have analyzed the results reported in 196 studies, which included more than 30 million participants from 94 large study cohorts. That is to say, we are before largest analysis to date of the association between levels of physical activity and the risk of heart disease, cancer, and premature death.
Repercussions of lack of exercise
Physical activity is an excellent means of prevention against the most common and dangerous diseases today, especially cardiovascular diseases (responsible for 18 million deaths per year) and cancer (which causes 10 million deaths).
Despite the fact that science provides solid evidence of the benefits of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle it remains a deeply ingrained habit in our lifestyle.
