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America's Sedentary Shock: Millions Skip Exercise Daily
20 Jan
Summary
- Many Americans fall far short of recommended exercise guidelines.
- Physical inactivity is linked to serious health risks and premature death.
- Inactivity rates vary significantly by age, income, and education.
Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, released in 2024, highlights a concerning trend of physical inactivity among Americans. This widespread sedentary behavior is linked to increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and premature death.
National guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, yet many adults do not achieve this. Mississippi leads with 30.6% of adults reporting no physical activity beyond work, followed by West Virginia and Arkansas.
In contrast, Washington D.C. reports only 13.9% inactivity. Factors such as age, income, education, and race significantly influence activity levels, with older adults, lower-income individuals, and certain racial/ethnic groups being more affected.
Experts emphasize that even minimal physical activity yields considerable health benefits, improving both physical and mental well-being. Adding just 10 minutes of daily moderate-to-vigorous activity could prevent an estimated 110,000 deaths annually in adults aged 40 and over.
