Some physical activity is better than doing none, by being more active throughout the day in relatively simple ways, people can quite easily achieve the recommended activity levels.
Regular physical activity is a well-established protective factor for the prevention and treatment of the leading noncommunicable diseases (NCD), namely heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer.
It also contributes to the prevention of other important NCD risk factors such as hypertension, overweight and obesity, and is associated with improved mental health, delay in the onset of dementia and improved quality of life and well-being
Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.
Physical inactivity has been identified as the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths globally.
The levels of physical activity WHO recommends people of different ages are children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily.
Physical activity of amounts more than 60 minutes daily provides additional health benefits.
Should include activities that strengthen muscle and bone, at least 3 times per week.
Adults aged 18–64 years should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the week, or do at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both.
For additional health benefits, adults should increase their moderate-intensity physical activity to 300 minutes per week, or equivalent.
Muscle-strengthening activities should be done involving major muscle groups on 2 or more days a week. (UNI)
