11 minutes of activity per day reduces the risk of early death – scientists
Exercising for at least 11 minutes a day can reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and even premature death.
This can be walking, dancing, running, jogging, cycling or swimming.
This is evidenced by the results of a study by scientists from the University of Cambridge, which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The researchers analyzed 196 studies involving 30 million adult participants who were followed for 10 years.
They mainly analyzed data from people who performed the minimum recommended amount of exercise – 150 minutes per week or 22 minutes per day.
Compared to inactive participants, adults who followed the recommendations had:
- 31% lower risk of death from any cause;
- 29% lower risk of death from cardiovascular diseases;
- 15% lower risk of dying from cancer.
Even people who got only half the minimum recommended amount of physical activity benefited.
“One in ten premature deaths could be prevented if everyone achieved at least half the recommended level of physical activity“, – write the authors of the study.
Scientists say that with 75 minutes of activity a week, or about 11 minutes a day, the risk of early death could be reduced by 23%.
“Moderate activity does not necessarily involve what we usually think of as physical exercise, such as sports or running. For example, try walking or cycling to work or school instead of driving, or play actively with your children or grandchildren.
Activities that you enjoy and that are easy to fit into your weekly routine are a great way to get more active“, said co-author of the study Leandro Garcia.
So the authors’ findings confirm the position of the World Health Organization that it is better to engage in some physical activity than not to engage at all, even if you do not perform the recommended amount of exercise.
Read also: The Ministry of Health called “red flags” indicating problems with mental health
