19 Physical activity declines dramatically over the course of adolescence, and girls are significantly less likely than boys to participate regularly in vigorous physical activity.įigure 2: Vigorous Physical Activity of Adolescentsby Grade Level, 1999 Furthermore, 43 percent of students in grades 9-12 watch television more than two hours per day. More than one-third of young people in grades 9-12 do not regularly engage in vigorous physical activity. In the mid 1990's, 37 percent of white men age 75 and older reported no leisure-time physical activity, compared to 59 percent of African American men age 75 and older 47 percent of white women age 75 and older reported no leisure-time physical activity, compared to 60 percent of African American women age 75 and older. 17 In general, African American older adults are less active than white older adults. Fifty-four percent of men and 66 percent of women age 75 and older engage in no leisure-time physical activity. Older women are generally less physically active than older men. SOURCE: 1997-98 National Health Interview SurveyĪpproximately one-third of persons age 65 or older lead a sedentary lifestyle. Data from the National Health Interview Survey shows that in 1997-98 nearly four in 10 (38.3 percent) adults reported no participation in leisure- time physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle is defined as engaging in no leisure-time physical activity (exercises, sports, physically active hobbies) in a two-week period. 11-16ĭespite the well-known benefits of physical activity, most adults and many children lead a relatively sedentary lifestyle and are not active enough to achieve these health benefits. On average, people who are physically active outlive those who are inactive. 10 For example, physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of developing or dying from heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure.
9 Another study linked sedentary lifestyles to 23 percent of deaths from major chronic diseases. In a 1993 study, 14 percent of all deaths in the United States were attributed to activity patterns and diet. Nearly 50 million adults (between the ages of 20 and 74), or 27% of the adult population, are obese overall more than 108 million adults, or 61% of the adult population are either obese or overweight.50 million people have high blood pressure 2 and.300,000 people suffer from hip fractures each year 6.107,000 people are newly diagnosed with colon cancer each year 4,5.17 million people have diabetes about 90% to 95% of cases are type 2 diabetes, which is associated with obesity and physical inactivity 3 approximately 16 million people have pre diabetes.1.1 million people suffer from a heart attack in a given year 2.12.6 million people have coronary heart disease 2.Millions of Americans suffer from chronic illnesses that can be prevented or improved through regular physical activity: Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the morbidity and mortality from many chronic diseases. 1 Therefore, physical fitness should be a priority for Americans of all ages.
Even among frail and very old adults, mobility and functioning can be improved through physical activity.
Research has demonstrated that virtually all individuals can benefit from regular physical activity, whether they participate in vigorous exercise or some type of moderate health-enhancing physical activity. Regular physical activity, fitness, and exercise are critically important for the health and well being of people of all ages. Physical Activity Fundamental To Preventing Disease June 20, 2002
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