It is estimated that the direct costs of physical inactivity in the United States are approximately 24 billion dollars – independent of obesity costs for those with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m². The Surgeon General reports that inactivity is responsible for about one-third of all coronary heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes deaths each year. While numerous lifestyle factors influence health outcomes, the literature seems to show that physical activity has a more significant impact on health by itself than BMI, weight, or body fatness have by themselves. Any amount of physical activity that can be added to daily life appears to positively affect health, and if combined with abdominal fat reduction and other healthy lifestyle choices, the risk for many diseases and chronic health problems could be greatly reduced.

People often want to know how much exercise is enough. That depends on your individual needs and goals. Some people want to improve their fitness level and/or lose weight while others are just looking for something small and simple to get the proven health benefits of exercise. Whatever your goals, there are guidelines to help you incorporate exercise into your life in a way that works for you. The bottom line is to GET MOVING!

Sources: Grundy et al., 1999. Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of obesity and its comorbidities. Medicine & Science In Sports & Exercise; Surgeon General’s Report, 1996