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Contributors to Overweight and Obesity: Physical Activity
Physical Activity Is Critical In Preventing Overweight And Obesity!
Facts about physical activity (1)
- Adults ages 18 and over require 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week.
- Children and teens require 60 minutes of physical activity 5 days per week.
- Moderate physical activity (for example, 30 minutes of brisk walking, 15 minutes of raking leaves, 45 minutes of playing volleyball) can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancers.
- Moderate daily physical activity can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent or retard the onset of osteoporosis and arthritis, help reduce overweight and obesity, and help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in the US. People who are physically inactive are twice as likely to develop heart disease as people who are physically active.
- Only 30% of US adults report meeting the recommendations of 30 minutes per day 5 days per week.
- Only 25% of children grades 9-12 meet engaged in 30 minutes of physical activity for 5 days/week in 2003.
CDC, US Physical Activity Statistics: 2003 State Summary Data based on Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Provides a point-and-click US map for state specific information.
Barriers to Physical Activity1
- Time
- Access to facilities
- Safe environments in which to exercise
- Motivation (depression, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness)
- Being overweight or obese
School-based and workplace interventions have been shown to be successful in promoting physical activity.
There are different kinds of physical activity
- Cardiovascular (aerobic): This type of physical activity increases and sustains heart rate at a target rate (65-80% of maximum heart rate) for at least 20 minutes. Aerobic activity is useful for weight loss and control. Examples of aerobic exercise include running, brisk walking, and swimming.
- Muscle building and toning (anaerobic): This type of activity increases strength, muscle size, and firmness. Weight lifting is an example of muscle building activity.
- Flexibility: This type of physical activity promotes increased range of motion and improves joint health. Examples of activity to promote flexibility include yoga and stretching.
RESOURCES
President’s Council on Physical Fitness. See also the President’s Challenge for kids, teens, adults and seniors. Specifies specific physical fitness goals for each group
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Additional Resources
Source
(1) President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
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Adolescent
& Child Targets for Health Foundation, Inc. 
