title: The cost of being couch potato.
abstract: The scientific evidence is clear--regular physical activity has powerful positive effects on both physical and psychological health. Conversely, physical inactivity has a high human cost in terms of health. It shortens years of life, decreases quality of life, and limits functional independence. These health effects arise from physical inactivity's contribution to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, mental health disorders, and some cancers (i.e., colon and breast).
authors.affiliation: Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports, Lansing, USA.
authors.forename: Glenna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: DeJong
authors.forename: Lorinda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sheppard
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lieber
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chenoweth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004526:Efficiency; D015444:Exercise; D015438:Health Behavior; D017048:Health Care Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012307:Risk Factors; D014942:Workers' Compensation