There are several studies that support and propose the use of physical exercise as a health intervention for mitigating obesity and improving health. Apart from obesity, there are several health risks and diseases associated with low or lack of physical exercise. While the lack of physical is not the original cause of poor health and increased the prevalence of obesity, it plays a significant role in encouraging the prevalence (Sallis et al. 732). As a consequence, physical activity has been proposed as a health intervention for poor health and mitigation of obesity. Obesity occurs as a result of energy imbalance. That is, too many calories ingested while too few calories are burned (Fox and M 117). The imbalance between calories intake and output is a causative factor for several other diseases and health issues such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
While the number of calories burned by different individuals is determined by constant factors, like body size, age and genes, variable factors, like the amount of physical activity, can be modified to generate desired results. Physical activity upsurges the total energy disbursement which encourages energy balance and weight loss (Sallis et al. 731). Additionally, it lessens fat around the waist and overall body fat, thus slowing the growth of abdominal obesity. It also inspires the development of muscle mass which replaces body fat and increases the number of calories burnt. Furthermore, physical activity has been known to reduce anxiety and depression through mood boost.
Consequently, people stay at a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity and other diseases such as stroke, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Several health authorities, including the Worth Health Organization, recommend two and a half hours of reasonable-to-enthusiastic physical activity in a week for good health. Sedentary life highly encourages weight gain and obesity thus poor health (Fox and M 117). Physical activity does the opposite of sedentary life.
Works Cited
Fox, K. R., and M. Hillsdon. "Physical activity and obesity." Obesity reviews8.s1 (2007): 115-121.
Sallis, James F., et al. "Role of built environments in physical activity, obesity, and cardiovascular disease." Circulation 125.5 (2012): 729-737.
