The World Health Organization recommends we do 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week – equivalent to half an hour a day of brisk walking.
A new study looking at 654,827 adults showed that even half this amount of exercise, that is just 15 minutes of exercise a day was associated with an average of 1.8 extra years of life. Those who reported doing 150 minutes a week lived between 3.4 and 4.5 years longer than those doing no exercise. The results proved that being more active gave increased longevity among normal, overweight and obese people.
This study further suggests that it might be better to be active and obese than inactive and of normal weight.
Those who were inactive and obese died an estimated 7.2 years earlier than those who were normal weight and reported doing 150 minutes of exercise each week.
This study shows that no matter what shape or size we are, by moving briskly each day, we are adding years to our lives. With the additional benefits gained through being physically fit these added years can be enjoyed to the full.