Inactivity, the 'Silent Killer'

The UK Department of Health refers to it as the 'silent killer', while others have dubbed it 'the new tobacco'. Inactivity has become the fourth leading cause of death globally (after high blood pressure, tobacco use, and diabetes). However, recent research presented at the Cardiovascular Disease Conference in London indicates that walking briskly for just twenty-five minutes a day—regardless of whether it leads to weight loss or reduction of waist fat—can increase lifespan by three to seven years. This research, conducted by a group of German scientists, examined the activity levels of men and women aged thirty to sixty and their relationship with longevity. Another comprehensive study involving three hundred thousand European citizens over twelve years by Cambridge University shows that twenty minutes of daily walking reduces mortality rates by 20% for individuals of healthy weight and nearly 20% for those with severe obesity. In fact, the researchers state that compelling individuals to walk for just twenty minutes a day can save lives at twice the rate that addressing severe obesity might. Twenty minutes of walking a day is, of course, less than the amount recommended by the World Health Organization, which suggests one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate exercise (enough to talk while doing it, such as walking or cycling) or seventy-five minutes of vigorous exercise like running or swimming. People in most countries exercise less than the recommended amount. Middle Eastern countries are among the least active nations, while European countries like the Netherlands fare better. The level of inactivity among women is significantly higher than that of men. Factors contributing to this inactivity include unsafe streets (especially at night) and cultural taboos that deem it inappropriate for women to walk in public spaces. Only one-fifth of girls aged 11 to 17 globally meet the World Health Organization's recommended activity levels. In this context, the issue of severe obesity has become more serious than hunger. The American Heart Association states that having a dog contributes to heart health.