Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Health Benefits of Physical Activity—A Review of the Strength of the Scientific Evidence

Adults and Older Adults
Strong Evidence
Lower risk of:

• Early death
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Adverse blood lipid profile
• Metabolic syndrome
• Colon and breast cancers
• Prevention of weight gain
• Weight loss when combined with diet
• Improved cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness
• Prevention of falls
• Reduced depression
• Better cognitive function (older adults)
  

Moderate to Strong Evidence

• Better functional health (older adults)
• Reduced abdominal obesity
  

Moderate Evidence

• Weight maintenance after weight loss
• Lower risk of hip fracture
• Increased bone density
• Improved sleep quality
• Lower risk of lung and endometrial cancers
  

Children and Adolescents
Strong Evidence

• Improved cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular fitness
• Favorable body composition
• Improved bone health
• Improved cardiovascular and metabolic health biomarkers
  

Moderate Evidence

• Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression

Source: 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans