We’ve all heard the advice, "Be sure to get permission from your doctor before you begin an exercise program." But how often do you hear, "Talk to your doctor before becoming sedentary"?
If you plan on living a sedentary lifestyle, here are some hazards to your health you should be aware of:
- You double your risk of developing diabetes.
- One study showed that for every 2 hours a person watched TV daily, their risk of diabetes increased 14%.
- You increase your risk of cancer.
- Sedentary people are 30-40% more likely to develop colon cancer. The risk of breast cancer and pancreatic cancer increases as well.
- It may turn your brain to Jell-O.
- Not really, but the evidence is fairly clear that regular physical activity helps prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
- You are more likely to have a heart attack.
- It's no surprise that couch potatoes have the highest risk of a heart attack. Exercise strengthens the heart and keeps it in good health.
- You increase your risk of stroke.
- Data from the Aerobic Research Center showed that active men dropped their risk of stroke by two-thirds. Active women in the Nurses' Health Study dropped their risk of stroke by 50%.
- You lose muscle mass.
- Inactivity is the best way to lose muscle mass and eventually adequate strength to function properly.
- It weakens your bones.
- Bones, just like muscles, require regular exercise to maintain their mineral content and strength.
- You are more likely to become depressed.
- It's true; inactive people get depressed more often than those who are physically active.
- You are more likely to gain excess weight!
- One study showed that an hour of walking daily cut the risk of obesity by 24%.
- Your immune system is weakened.
- People who get regular physical activity have the best functioning immune system. It's our immune system that combats disease and illnesses such as the flu and colds.
Reference: The Cost of Inactivity. Nutrition Action Health Letters, Dec. 2005.
