Research

Mixed

Achieving 8.75 marginal MET-hours per week of non-occupational physical activity (equivalent to 150 minutes/week of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic activity) significantly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and total cancer incidence compared to inactivity.

To significantly lower your risk of early death and heart disease, aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity (like brisk walking) outside of work. This is the most impactful change you can make if you are currently inactive. Benefits are largest when moving from zero activity to this level.

StrongSupportsVERY_HIGH confidence
Compared with inactive individuals, adults accumulating 8.75 mMET- hours/week had 31% (95% CI 27 to 35) and 29% (95% CI 23 to 34) lower risk of all- cause and CVD mortality, respectively, whereas the risk difference for total cancer mortality was 15% (95% CI 11 to 19).
Leandro García et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2023

Why this rating

Large-scale meta-analysis of 196 articles, 94 cohorts, and >30 million participants with robust statistical harmonization.

Source

Non-occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality outcomes: a dose–response meta-analysis of large prospective studies

Leandro García et al. · British Journal of Sports Medicine · 2023

Meta-analysis · 196 studiesCited 246×
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