Chronic Diseases‎ Linked to Inactive Lifestyles
Center for Disease Control has found that quarter of Americans have sedentary lifestyles taken fewer than 5000 steps a day. Also, 75 percent of Americans do not meet the weekly recommendation of 2 hours and 30minuts of moderate physical activity of brisk walking, bicycling and swimming to maintain good health.
In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology by University of Missouri researchers found that physical inactivity is the primary cause of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and fatty liver disease. Also, even if people who set time for exercise regularly but are otherwise sedentary, may not be active enough to combat the diseases.
Inactivity, in addition to the availability of high-caloric foods has led to an increased rate of metabolic problems in Americans.
John Thyfault, assistant professor in the department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and Internal medicine, found that people who transition from having high amount of activity to inactivity, causing decreased physical changes, have been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
"If people can add some regular movement into their routines throughout the day, they will feel better and be less susceptible to health problems. In the long term, they may not see big changes in the mirror, but they will prevent further weight gain." said Thyfault
According to Scott Rector, assistant professor in the departments of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology and Internal Medicine found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming an epidemic. The disease occurs when fat is accumulated in the liver causing changes in the regulation of glucose building up insulin resistance and type II Diabetes. It is the most common chronic liver condition amongst people in the United States.
"Everyone should try to take at least 10,000 steps a day. It doesn't have to happen all at once, but 500 to 1,000 steps every few hours is a good goal. Small changes can increase the number of steps people take in their daily routines." said Rector