It can contribute to increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity, though the association with early death is independent of your BMI, the researchers said. Inactivity puts you at increased risk of heart disease, cancer and early death, studies show. The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Exercise. “Physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life,” noted Ekelund. He added, however, that we should really aim for more than that. “This is a simple message: just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive,” said Ulf Ekelund, of the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, England, who led the study.

And a modest boost in activity could make a big difference, the study concluded.

The study of more than 334,000 European men and women found that twice as many deaths may be attributable to lack of physical activity as to obesity.

There’s now more encouraging evidence that you don’t have to run marathons to make a difference in your health.Ī brisk 20-minute walk each day could be enough to cut your risk of early death – even if you are obese, according to new research published Jan. A brisk walk could cut your risk of early death, even if you’re obeseīy Emily Gurnon for Next Avenue | Photo: Thinkstock

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