Mixed
Increasing physical activity from inactivity to recommended levels (150 minutes/week moderate-intensity aerobic activity) significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality by 23%, CVD incidence by 17%, and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) incidence by 26%, independent of body weight.
You do not need to be an athlete to drastically lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes. The most powerful step you can take is simply starting to move if you are currently sedentary. Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking) per week cuts your risk significantly, and you get the biggest 'bang for your buck' by just getting off the couch and doing a little bit, rather than trying to do a huge amount all at once.
An increase from being inactive to achieving recommended PA levels (150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week) was associated with lower risk of CVD mortality by 23%, CVD incidence by 17%, and T2DM incidence by 26%... after adjustment for body weight.
Why this rating
Large-scale meta-analysis of 36 prospective cohort studies with over 3.4 million participants and rigorous adjustment for confounders.
Source
Quantifying the Association Between Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Ahad Wahid et al. · Journal of the American Heart Association · 2016
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