Risks of Physical Inactivity

What health risks are associated with physical inactivity?

Lack of physical activity has clearly been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and other conditions:

• Less active, less fit persons have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure.

• Studies indicate that physically active people are less likely to develop coronary heart disease than those who are inactive--even after the researchers accounted for smoking, alcohol use, and diet.

• Lack of physical activity can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression. 

• Physical inactivity may increase the risk of certain cancers. 

• Physically active overweight or obese people significantly reduced their risk for disease with physical activity.

Facts about sedentary lifestyles

Thousands and thousands of deaths result each year due to a lack of regular physical activity. In addition:

• Inactivity tends to increase with age.

• Women are more likely to lead sedentary lifestyles than men.

• Non-Hispanic white adults are more likely to engage in physical activity than Hispanic and non-Hispanic black adults.