PREVENTING OBESITY: AT LEAST 5 A WEEK
Health professionals have recommended that for general
health benefits adults should achieve a total of at least 30 minutes
a day of moderate physical activity for at least 5 times a week.
The
duration of the exercise may need to be extended to 45-60 minutes in
some cases in order to prevent obesity.
Physical activity does not
mean going to the gym on a daily basis. Adults can take the
necessary exercise by brisk walking or cycling into work or go for a
walk during the lunch break or doing their gardening and using
stairs rather than lifts. Similarly, children should be encouraged
to walk to school and spend less time in front of the TV or computer
and do more physical activities.
Preventing obesity is important as
Overweight and obese individuals (BMI of 25 and above) are at
increased risk for several ailments such as:
High blood pressure, hypertension
High blood cholesterol
Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes
Coronary heart disease
Angina pectoris
Stroke
Gallstones
Osteoarthritis
Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory problems
Some types of cancer (such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and
colon)
Complications of pregnancy
Poor female reproductive health (such as menstrual irregularities,
infertility, irregular ovulation)
Bladder control problems (such as stress incontinence)
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