Exercise, Menopause and Inactivity
Expert’s Name:  Gail Edgell

Past studies have indicated that inactivity contributes to obesity and diabetes, but it has never been shown that it increases mortality rates.

The American Journal of Epidemiology just completed a study in which they followed over 123, 000 people who sit most of the day and found some amazing statistics.  The study was conducted over 14 years.

Here is what they found.   People were more likely to die from heart disease than cancer.   After adjusting for BMI (body mass index) it was found that women were 37% more likely to die if they sat six or more hours a day versus their counterparts who spent less than three hours a day sitting.   For men the risk of dying was 17%.

These numbers were even drastically higher if individuals sat all day and did not exercise: 94% for women and 48% increased risk of morality for men.

Yes, you can say this can be from weight gain, but according to Dr. Patel, one of the researchers,  they are starting to look at inactivity  as a potential suppressing and/or stimulating certain hormones and in the body.  More studies will need to be completed to evaluate this theory.

All of this can be combated just by getting up a little earlier in the morning and taking a brisk walk .  Even take a family member or a pet to keep you company.

To read more of this article go to Life Span or to read more articles on exercise or menopause go to Menopausal Relief.