Fast Facts
- Only 1 in 4 US adults and 1 in 5 high school students meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.
- About 31 million adults aged 50 or older are inactive, meaning that they get no physical activity beyond that of daily living.
- Low levels of physical activity can contribute to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some kinds of cancer, and obesity.
- Low levels of physical activity are associated with an estimated $117 billion annually in health care costs.
- CDC works to increase physical activity by promoting better community design and more active school and work environments.
The Harmful Effects of Not Getting Enough Physical ActivityNot
Heart Disease
Not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease—even for people who have no other risk factors. It can also increase the likelihood of developing other heart disease risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Not getting enough physical activity can raise a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Physical activity helps control blood sugar (glucose), weight, and blood pressure and helps raise “good” cholesterol and lower “bad” cholesterol. Adequate physical activity can also help reduce the risk of heart disease and nerve damage, which are often problems for people with diabetes.
Cancer
Getting the recommended amount of physical activity can lower the risk of many cancers, including cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, uterus, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach. These effects apply regardless of weight status.
