Physical activity: health benefits

Regular physical activity of at least moderate intensity provides general health benefits across a range of diseases and across all ages. In particular, there is strong evidence that the greatest health benefits happen when the least active people become moderately active. Some of the health benefits of physical activity are:

• Physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.
  
• Physical activity is an effective treatment for peripheral vascular disease and high blood pressure.
  
• Active people have up to a 50% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to inactive people (DoH(2004)). Also, for those who have already developed type 2 diabetes, the risk of premature death is much lower for active and fit patients than for inactive and unfit patients.
  
• Physical activity promotes strength, coordination and balance. This is particularly important for older people, in reducing their risk of falls and helping them to maintain their capacity to carry out common activities of daily living. As a result, physical activity can help older people sustain an independent lifestyle for longer.
  
• Physical activity is associated with a reduction in the overall risk of cancer. In particular, there is a reduced risk of colon cancer and, among post-menopausal women, breast cancer.
  
• Physically active employees have fewer days' sick leave, lower staff turnover and fewer industrial injuries.
  
• Physical activity may help to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.