Physical Inactivity

Physical Inactivity

Physical inactivity is among the top risk factors for poor health. The risk of developing serious health problems, such as coronary heart disease, associated with inactivity is greater than that for high cholesterol, hypertension, or cigarette smoking. Unfortunately, people are getting to be more and more inactive today. Recent researches showed that between 33% and 57% of American adults depending on race, gender and location are sedentary. This high prevalence of inactivity, combined with significant health risk, suggest that exercise recommendations are necessary for many patients in primary care. Unfortunately, the majority of patients do not receive physician advice to increase their physical activity level.

Beginning and sustaining an exercise routine can be difficult. People with health problems may experience pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue when increasing activity. Others may have difficulty incorporating time for exercise into their busy lifestyles. Still others may experience obstacles related to finances, safety, embarrassment or motivation. These are the general answer for the question “why are we inactive.”