Sedentary lifestyle is the lack or reduction of physical activities and sports, which results in reduced caloric expenditure. Sedentary lifestyle is related to high-risk health problems, such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
The amenities provided by the advancement of technology and the current lifestyle are factors that have contributed to the increase in sedentary lifestyle, which according to the World Health Organization is the 4th largest cause of death in the world.
A person who burns less than 2,200 calories during a week is considered sedentary. A sedentary lifestyle does not only refer to the lack of sports practices, but also to daily activities, such as housework and walking.
This means that even small activities like climbing stairs or moving plants in the garden are important for the health of the body and proper functioning of the organism.
For a healthy life, it is recommended that people practice at least 150 minutes of exercise aerobics of moderate intensity in the week.
Sedentary lifestyle and its consequences
Sedentary lifestyle is a public health problem, as it is a risk factor for numerous diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and some types of cancer.
Sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are one of the biggest causes of disease in the world.
It is estimated that the risk of a heart attack is 54% higher in sedentary people, as well as a stroke, which is 50% more likely to happen in these individuals.
Lack of exercise can also cause joint pain, lack of muscle strength, loss of flexibility, increased fat level and obesity.
A sedentary lifestyle associated with an inadequate diet - rich in sugars and fats and poor in nutrients - is the main cause of obesity, which is also a risk factor for many other diseases.
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Sedentary lifestyle in Brazil
According to a survey carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Brazil is one of the most sedentary countries in the world and the most sedentary in Latin America.
It is estimated that 45.9% of the Brazilian population does not practice enough weekly exercises, which corresponds to about 67 million Brazilians.
Sedentary lifestyle affects women in greater proportion. In Brazil, the percentage of women who do not exercise regularly is 50.4% and 41.2% of men.
To reduce the percentages of sedentary lifestyles, it is necessary to invest in policies to encourage the practice of physical activities and in structures that provide sports practices such as parks, sports courts and bike paths.
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Benefits of physical exercise
Practicing physical exercise prolongs and offers a better quality of life for people. In addition to the benefits for the body, exercising is good for the mind as it reduces stress and releases endorphins.
See other benefits of physical activities:
- Improved sleep quality;
- Physical conditioning and weight control;
- Reduced body fat and increased lean mass;
- Improved functioning of the body;
- Lowering cholesterol and triglycerides;
- Increased strength and flexibility;
- Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Prevention;
- Feeling of well-being.
It is important to emphasize that the practice of physical activities should always be supervised by health professionals, such as physical educators and physiotherapists, and authorized by a doctor after examinations.
Associating physical activities with a balanced diet and according to the needs of each individual is also important to achieve the expected results. For this, the guidance of a nutritionist is essential.
know more about physical activity and quality of life.
Sedentary lifestyle in childhood and adolescence
Sedentary lifestyle is also a concern in childhood and adolescence, which is a result of excessive activities in front of the screens: computer, tablet, cell phone and video game.
The lack of physical exercise in these stages of life is worrying, as the pathologies acquired in these stages can accompany the individual for the rest of his life.
According to the World Health Organization, between 6 and 17 years of age it is essential that they practice 300 minutes of weekly exercise, that means about an hour of daily activities, five days a week.
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