We’re often told that we need to exercise, yet the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles continues to rise. Sitting on the couch after a long day at the office is convenient. The problem with these habits is that you’re likely to enter a caloric surplus, which means you consume more calories than you burn. In this case, the weight starts increasing, and this can quickly lead to obesity, an issue that has been classified as a global healthcare emergency. Realizing exercise’s vital role in your life is crucial, and finding ways to become more active can add to your lifespan.
Obesity Becomes A Rising Concern
Since the year 1975, the prevalence of obesity has risen by more than 300%. In the modern day, researchers often consider obesity to be a disease, contributing to many premature deaths globally. People who are obese have a significant increase in their risk for certain diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular complications, and more.
There are several factors contributing to the high prevalence of obesity. Gradual changes in dietary habits since 1975 have increased the rate of overweight and obesity. Another essential factor that needs to be considered is the large number of people living sedentary lives. Being sedentary means you do not get enough exercise. To manage weight, a calorie balance is required. By consuming more calories than you burn every day, you’ll gain weight – which eventually results in obesity. Recent statistics show that Americans spend more than half of their time awake in sedentary positions.
The rise of technology and the introduction of easy-to-access video streaming services, gaming consoles, and smartphones contribute to the increase in sedentary behavior among the population.
The Role Of Exercise In Weight Management And Health
People must become more aware of how important exercise is in their daily lives. Sedentary lifestyles, along with poor dieting habits and an increase in obesity, contribute to chronic diseases.
By examining how exercise contributes to improved health, you can use this data to reduce sedentary behavior and start implementing a workout program in your daily schedule. In this section, we discuss exercise’s various effects on your body.
Burns Calories
A well-known benefit of exercise is that it helps you burn calories. When you get on a treadmill or start to lift weights, your body requires more energy to keep up with these activities. Your body burns through more glucose when you exercise, too. Fat can also be burned to provide fuel for energy, which is how exercise helps reduce your body fat percentage.
Exercise makes it easier to achieve a caloric deficit in your daily life. A caloric deficit is necessary to lose weight, as you burn more calories than you consume. Even a slight caloric deficit can help to provide gradual weight loss that pays off in the long run.
Increases Muscle Strength And Mass
Muscle tissues in your body play several vital roles. It contributes to physical strength and protects joints and other tissues. Regarding exercise and muscle growth, there’s no need to aim for a bodybuilder’s body. However, you need to ensure strength training is part of your workout routine. Strength training helps to strengthen your muscle tissue and increases your muscle mass.
During strength training, blood flow tends to increase. This allows more nutrients to be delivered to your muscle tissue and ensures you use more carbohydrates in your diet. One expert explains that muscle tissue is vital in the number of calories you burn and is something you control.
Reduces The Risk Of Chronic Diseases
The long-term effects that exercise offers can help to provide a significant reduction in the risk of developing chronic diseases. Exercise has several ways to help keep chronic diseases away.
With regular exercise, your blood pressure levels decline, along with your total cholesterol levels. These are both risk factors for heart disease. As you burn calories, you can also bring your body weight down, which helps you fight against obesity - a significant risk factor for many chronic diseases. Exercise can also boost brain health and reduce the risk of mental health problems, such as depression and dementia.
In cases where you already have a chronic disease, such as diabetes or heart disease, exercise can help, too. Regular exercise will help improve insulin sensitivity and ensure your body burns through more glucose – both of which can be helpful for a person who has difficulty managing their blood glucose levels.
Improves Sleep Patterns And Quality
Poor sleep is a widespread concern throughout the worldwide population. Sleep deprivation leads to a greater risk of many diseases, including obesity, cardiovascular complications, and more. If you struggle with your sleep, exercise may be a great solution.
There are a couple of ways in which exercise can improve your sleep. People who regularly exercise generally fall asleep faster than those who are sedentary. Exercise also works on your mental health. Depression, anxiety, and several other mental health conditions can affect your sleep. By addressing the symptoms of these health problems, exercise further improves your ability to experience quality sleep.
When you sleep better, you’ll have more energy during the day and feel better in general. Your risk of serious chronic diseases also declines, and you give your brain the ability to refresh and prepare effectively for a new day.
Bottom Line
Living a long and healthy life is a goal for most people, but with the rising statistics of people living sedentary lives, the rate of chronic disease and premature death also increases. Focusing on your fitness does not necessarily mean joining a gym, as you can perform many exercises at home. Even short sessions can provide benefits and reduce the risks of being sedentary.