The cost of being couch potato.
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).
DeJong
Glenna
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Michigan Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports, Lansing, USA.
Sheppard
Lorinda
L
Lieber
Marilyn
M
Chenoweth
David
D
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