Physical Activity For Health: The Evidence

Physical activity contributes to the health of Canadians and it plays a part in helping to contain rising health care costs.

Benefits

• prevention of a number of diseases
• reduced anxiety and stress
• improved confidence and self-esteem
• improved fitness
• maintenance of a healthy weight
• stronger muscles and bones
• continued independent living in later life

Preventing Disease

Scientific research strongly supports the role of physical activity in disease prevention and in the treatment of chronic disabling conditions. Here are some highlights.

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Obesity

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease remains the #1 cause of premature death in Canada and many of these deaths are preventable. Cardiovascular disease includes heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Physical inactivity, along with smoking, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol are recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Since physical inactivity is more prevalent than the others, it has the highest potential to reduce population cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease claims the lives of 79,500 Canadians annually and costs the health care system over $7.3 billion in direct costs. In 1995, cardiovascular disease accounted for 294,000 years of potential life lost in Canada. ¹

Cancer

Physical activity can reduce the risk of colon cancer by as much as 50 percent. ² There were 5,900 deaths in Canada from colorectal cancer in 1997 with an estimated 17,000 new cases occurring in 2000 ³ . Research also shows that physical activity may protect against breast cancer in women. ^{4 , 5} Over 2,300 Canadian women died of breast cancer in 1997 with an estimated 19,200 new cases appearing in 2000. ⁶

Diabetes

Eleven percent of Canadian women and men over the age of 65 suffer from diabetes, with the disease accounting for over 5,000 deaths annually. Diabetes resulted in over $ 1 billion in direct and indirect costs in Canada in 1993. ⁷

Physical activity can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 50 percent. ^{8 , 9} Diabetes is a complicating factor in heart disease and stroke.¹⁰

Osteoporosis

Some 25 percent of women over age 50 and half over age 70 will develop osteoporosis.¹¹ Seven in ten fractures in those over age 45 are due to this disease. The risk of osteoporosis is reduced through regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence and there is also evidence for maintenance of bone mass through physical activity and calcium supplementation in adulthood.¹²

Arthritis

Arthritis affects over 4 million Canadians and is a leading cause of disability in more than 600,000 ¹³ . Musculo-skeletal conditions including arthritis account for $15.3 billion in indirect costs to the Canadian economy annually ¹⁴ . Regular physical activity improves function and relieves symptoms among people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In many cases, fewer medications are then necessary. ¹⁵

Obesity

Physical activity affects body composition and weight favourably by promoting fat loss ^16. Active individuals have a lower risk of being overweight ¹⁷. Obesity increases the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and various cancers. It also increases the risk of back injuries which are a significant cost to industry. Over half of Canadians carry some excess weight and two-thirds of these are considered to be at probable health risk. Obesity in children and youth increased by over 50 percent between 1981 and 1988 alone^{18 , 19}. There is evidence that persons who are overweight can reduce their risk of disease by being active and fit ²⁰ .

Last Updated: 2003-10-08

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