Eim_scientific_factsheet

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American College of Sports Medicine Why is Exercise Medicine?
EXERCISE IS MEDICINE Physical inactivity is a fast-growing public health problem and contributes to a variety of
chronic diseases and health complications, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer,
depression and anxiety, arthritis, and osteoporosis. In addition to improving a patient’s overall health, increasing
physical activity has proven effective in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases.
Regular physical activity at the correct intensity:
• Reduces the risk of heart disease by 40% • Reduces the incidence of high blood pressure, by almost 50% • Reduces the incidence of diabetes by almost 50% Just 30 minutes of physical activity per day can: • Reduce mortality and the risk of recurrent breast cancer by almost 50% • Lower the risk of colon cancer by more than 60% • Reduce the risk of developing of Alzheimer’s disease by one-third • Decrease depression as effectively as Prozac or behavioral therapy PHYSICAL INACTIVITY LEADS TO HIGHER RISK OF DEATH
Physical inactivity has a greater effect on the rate of mortality than other major factors, such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Effect of Fitness (CRF*) on Mortality Attributable Fractions (%) for All-Cause Deaths
40,842 Men & 12,943 Women, ACLS Blair SN. Physical inactivity: the biggest public health problem of the 21st century. Br J Sports Med 2009; 43:1-2. CONTACT
American College of Sports Medicine FIT VS. FAT — LEVEL OF FITNESS HAS GREATER EFFECT ON MORTALITY THAN BODY FAT
A low level of fitness is a bigger risk factor for mortality than mild-moderate obesity. It is better to be fit and overweight than unfit with a lower percentage of body fat. Joint Associations of CRF* and % Body Fat with All-Cause Mortality, Adults 60+
Normal
Obese
Rates adjusted for age, sex and exam year PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DECREASES RISK FOR DIABETES PATIENTS WITH CARDIO VASCULAR DISEASE
Fitness levels have a substantial impact on the risk for cardio vascular disease mortality. Those with a moderate or high level of fitness are much less likely to die of cardio vascular disease than those who are less active. CVD* Mortality Risk by Fitness and BMI Categories, 2316 Men with Diabetes, 179 CVD Deaths
lity 8
rta 7
18.5 < BMI <25.0 25.0 ≤ BMI <30.0 30.0 ≤ BMI < 35.0
Rates adjusted for age, sex and exam year Church TS et al. Arch Int Med 2005; 165:2114

Source: http://www.bewegenismedicijn.nl/files/downloads/5._waarom_bewegen_-_exercise_is_medicine.pdf