Useful information

The Harm of Excess Weight and Sedentary Lifestyle: Why It Matters

 In today’s world, the issue of excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle has become increasingly relevant. The number of people suffering from obesity and related health problems continues to grow each year, affecting not only the UK but also countries around the globe. Let’s explore why excess weight and lack of physical activity are harmful and how these factors impact our health.

 Facts and Figures

   Excess weight: According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), over 60% of adults and around 20% of children are overweight or obese. The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that more than 1.9 billion adults worldwide are overweight, with about 650 million of them classified as obese. That’s approximately 13% of the world’s population!

Sedentary lifestyle: According to the WHO, around 25% of adults and 80% of adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle leads to numerous health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

 

     Health Risks Associated with Excess Weight

 Being overweight and obese are major risk factors for a range of health problems:

  1. Cardiovascular diseases: Obesity is linked to high levels of “bad” cholesterol and increased blood pressure, which heightens the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Research shows that people with obesity are 2-4 times more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases compared to those of normal weight.
  2. Type 2 diabetes: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 85% of people with type 2 diabetes are overweight or obese. This condition has become a true epidemic, directly linked to poor diet and physical inactivity.
  3. Musculoskeletal problems: Excess weight puts additional  strain on the joints, especially the knees and spine, leading to the development of osteoarthritis. A study published in the “Journal of Orthopaedic Research” found that overweight individuals are 1.5-2 times more likely to develop joint problems.
  4. Psychological consequences: Obesity is also associated with depression and lower self-esteem. People with excess weight often face discrimination and social exclusion, which worsens their emotional well-being.
  5. Increased risk of cancer: The WHO states that obesity raises the risk of developing various types of cancer, including breast, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers.

 

 Consequences of a Sedentary Lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle is also a significant issue. Here are some of its consequences:

  • Slower metabolism: A lack of physical activity slows down metabolism and reduces the body’s ability to effectively burn calories, leading to fat accumulation.
  • Heart problems: Research conducted by Harvard University found that people who sit for more than 4 hours a day have a 125% higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who sit for less than 2 hours a day.
  • Mental health issues: A lack of physical activity can also lead to mood deterioration, anxiety, and depression. It has been found that regular exercise boosts the levels of endorphins, the “happiness hormones.”

 

How Can We Solve These Problems?

  • Healthy diet: Reducing the intake of high-calorie and fatty foods and increasing the share of vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy fats is a key step towards weight loss.
  • Regular physical activity: The World Health Organization recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week. This can include anything from walking to fitness workouts.
  • Educational programs: Raising awareness about the dangers of poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle can also help people make informed choices in favor of a healthier lifestyle.

   

    Our Contribution

   At our sports nutrition store, we are committed to helping you take the first step towards a healthier future. We offer quality sports nutrition products that will support you on your journey to an active lifestyle. Our supplements will help improve metabolism, support energy levels, and accelerate recovery after exercise.

 Changing your lifestyle isn’t always easy, but with the right approach and quality products, each of us can become healthier, more active, and happier.