Few things can be as hazardous to a person's health as physical inactivity, which has been linked to numerous diseases and can reduce one's lifespan by several years.

However, a recent study shows that people who have been inactive for prolonged periods of time can reverse many of the negative effects by simply exercising regularly for a few months.

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The research study
In the study, 53 overweight, middle-aged people who had been sedentary for the previous six months were asked to participate in a six-month exercise programme.

At the start of the trial, at the end of the sedentary period and again at the end of the exercise programme, the researchers measured 17 different factors that can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. These included waist size, body mass index, cholesterol levels, the presence of visceral fat, and sensitivity to insulin.

As could be expected, waist sizes expanded, visceral fat levels increased considerably, and more signs of metabolic syndrome appeared during the first six months of the trial, when the participants were still inactive.

A dramatic turnaround
In the six months of exercise that followed, however, a dramatic turnaround ensued. Thirteen of the 17 factors measured at the start of the study either reverted completely to baseline or improved beyond their baseline levels.

So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get off the couch, get on your feet, and start exercising today. - (Dr Reg Engelbrecht, August 2007)

Reference:
Robbins JL, Slentz CA, Houmard JA, et al. Exercise training to reverse the detrimental effects of physical inactivity on cardiovascular risk. Abstract #2348. Presented at the 53rd annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Denver, Colo., June 2, 2006.

For further information, contact:
Dr Reg Engelbrecht
Chiropractic Association of South Africa
Tel: 058 303 4571
e-mail: drreg@mweb.co.za
 

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