 It's risky to be a couch potato! A sedentary lifestyle substantially increases your risk of certain serious illnesses, saps energy and vitality from your life, and makes it all but certain that you'll gain weight over time. Illnesses associated with inactivity include: Heart Disease. Inactivity is associated with elevated levels of fat (triglycerides) and cholesterol in your blood and with high blood pressure and obesity. Blood chemistry and pressure problems, in turn, increase the risks for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer. Bone and Joint Disease. Sedentary individuals are more prone to developing bone and joint problems like osteoporosis and arthritis. Inactivity leads to a loss of bodily flexibility and muscle tone, and weakened muscles lead to increased risk of everyday injuries and accidents due to their inability to properly protect and cushion joints. Conditions like arthritis become even more debilitating when inactivity leads to increased stiffness and pain. Obesity. In an inactive person the tendency of the body to lose lean body mass (muscle) and gain body fat as the years advance is more pronounced than in a physically active individual. Weight gain is almost certain unless caloric intake is significantly reduced, which is unlikely in the current cultural environment of large portions and high fat, high calorie snacks. <... Continue Reading This Article
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