More than 30 percent of the world’s population is physically inactive, putting it at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers, according to a new World Health Organization report. But a mere 150 minutes of moderate physical activity performed over the course of a week can reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer and a range of other noncommunicable diseases
Most countries — particularly low- and middle-income nations — do not have national physical activity guidelines, according to the report, which urges policy-makers and health leaders to craft physical activity programs targeted at 5- to 17-year-olds, 18- to 64-year-olds and people ages 65 and older.
Released Feb. 4 in conjunction with World Cancer Day, the report recommended that people ages 18 and older engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, aerobic physical activity throughout the week to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases such as breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Children and teens ages 5 to 17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity throughout the week to protect their health and, in turn, reduce their risk of disease. Aerobic physical activities recommended in the report include brisk walking, running, bicycling, jumping rope and swimming. Activities should be sustained for at least 10 minutes, the report said.
For all age groups, additional health benefits can be derived by increasing the number of minutes per week spent exercising, the report said.
Physical inactivity is increasing around the globe and — after high blood pressure, tobacco use and high blood glucose — is now the fourth leading risk factor for death. Worldwide, about 3.2 million deaths per year and more than 670,000 premature deaths in people younger than 60 are linked to physical inactivity, according to the report.
The report, “Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health,” estimated that physical inactivity is the principal cause for approximately 21 percent to 25 percent of breast cancers and colon cancers, 27 percent of diabetes cases and about 30 percent of heart disease around the world. An aging population and rapid, unplanned urbanization are among the trends influencing global health, according to the report.
“Sadly, changing ways of life, such as reduced physical activity, are making people unhealthier and, in turn, prone to such diseases as cancer,” said Eduardo Cazap, MD, PhD, president of the Union for International Cancer Control.
After cardiovascular diseases, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with cancers of the lung, breast, stomach, liver, colon and rectum claiming the most lives. Globally, about 460,000 women died from breast cancer in 2008 and 610,000 people died from colorectal cancers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States in 2007, about 203,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,598 women died from the disease. Colorectal cancers claimed the lives of more than 53,000 Americans in 2007.
For more information or to download the report, visit www.who.int.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association