More than one third of Americans are obese. About two in three adults are overweight, and one in 20 has extreme obesity. In general, those who carry extra pounds may also suffer from heart disease, osteoarthritis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, high blood pressure and other chronic disorders. Even though we have access to so much information, obesity is on the rise. Could exercise be the key to keeping the weight off?
Harness the Power of Regular Exercise
According to health experts, physical activity is the most powerful weapon against obesity. If exercise was a drug, it would work better than any diet pill available today. Working out for as little as 30 minutes a day can add years to your life, keep the pounds off, and slow down aging.
Regular exercise promotes a healthy body weight and helps reduce the damaging effects of smoking. Although it can not compensate for bad eating, it can increase your energy expenditure and fight obesity. It’s no wonder physicians are strongly advising patients to engage in regular exercise and to stay active.
Stay Fit to Live Longer
Thousands of studies have shown that physical activity is beneficial for the mind and body. Not only does it burn fat and improve muscle tone, but also regulates blood pressure, decreases anxiety and depression, raises good cholesterol, and improves glucose tolerance. Just one and a half hours of exercise per week can reduce your risk of premature death by over 20 percent. Yet, less than five percent of adults work out for as little as 30 minutes a day.
The obesity epidemic is spreading worldwide. The World Health Organization has recently listed lack of exercise as the fourth leading cause of premature death and global morbidity. Healthcare professionals should be able and willing to refer patients to fitness experts. The role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of disease is backed up by science. Physicians can not ignore the benefits anymore.
