Inactivity 'twice as deadly' as obesity

Conclusion This study’s strengths included its large size and long follow-up period. Researchers also took into account a large number of factors (called confounders) that might have influenced the risk of death, such as diet, smoking history and alcohol intake, although it is still possible that both measured and unmeasured confounders influenced mortality rates. The study had one important limitation. It only measured people’s BMI (calculated by combining their weight and height) and their physical activity once, at the start of the study. It is quite possible that people’s BMI changed over time, and that this would have had an effect on mortality rates. For example, if physical activity helped reduce obesity over time, it is not possible to say that physical activity reduced the risk of mortality, independent of people’s weight. Also, the calculations on the number of deaths that could be avoided by both reductions in physical inactivity and obesity is hypothetical. It would be a bad idea to ignore the risks of obesity, whatever your levels of physical activity. Obesity is an established risk factor for a range of conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease and it is best tackled by both diet and exercise. But no-one would argue with the notion that everyone should be encouraged to increase levels of physical activity, whatever their size. An ideal way to gradually raise your activity levels is our Couch to 5K programme, which can turn a couch potato ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news