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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 24 February 2015

Just 20 minutes of brisk walking a day may be all it takes to lessen a sedentary person's risk of early death, says a new study. The researchers also found the risk of early death due to lack of exercise is double that posed by obesity and does not necessarily depend on being obese or overweight.

Prof. Ekelund says the study delivers a simple message: "just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive." However, we should really do more, as "physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life."

Co-author Professor Nick Wareham, Director of the MRC Unit at Cambridge, says while we need to continue with public health efforts that reduce levels of obesity, we should also be helping people increase physical activity. This might be easier to achieve and maintain, and can have significant health benefits, he adds.

The traditional view of exercise need not limit our intention to become more physically active. Yoga is comparable to walking and biking in reducing risks of cardiovascular disease.

 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288042.php