Physical Inactivity: Associated Diseases and Disorders

  1. Joseph A. Knight
  1. Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
  1. Address correspondence to Joseph A. Knight M.D.; Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132; phone: 801 581 4516; fax: 801 585 2463; e-mail address: joe.knight{at}path.utah.edu

Abstract

A sedentary lifestyle is a very serious worldwide problem, especially in North America and Europe. Unfortunately, physical inactivity, which has progressively increased over the past several decades, significantly increases the risk of numerous diseases/disorders, including several forms of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, coronary and cerebrovascular diseases, overweight/obesity, and all-cause mortality, among others. Unless there is a reversal of this sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of these diseases/disorders will increase, life expectancy will decrease, and medical costs will continue to rise.

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