With obesity rates in the United States rising every year, people need to start thinking about how much exercise they need to keep themselves healthy. Maintain a healthy weight can lead to numerous benefits. Unfortunately, obesity has just as many detriments.
Is Obesity a Problem?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every state in the U.S. had an obesity prevalence greater than 20 percent in 2010. In 12 states, at least 25 percent of the population was overweight.
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You might wonder whether these numbers truly mean anything. Do obese people face more health problems than those who are not obese? It turns out that obesity can lead to several health risks, including
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Hypertension
- Osteoarthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Coronary heart disease
- Type II diabetes
Exercise for a Healthier Body
Regular exercise can help the vast majority of people maintain healthy body weights (a small number of people have hormonal predispositions that make it difficult for them to lose weight).
The amount of exercise that you need to maintain a healthy weight depends on several factors. Age, for instance, plays a significant role in exercise and weight management.
- Children need at least 60 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week
- Adults need about 2.5 hours of aerobic activity a week and some strength training at least twice a week
As long as you eat a healthy diet and follow these guidelines, you should find that you can maintain a weight that will keep your health risks low. Consult your doctor for information specific to you.
