What are the consequences of not being physically fit?

Author: Darian Barton IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Physical inactivity puts adults at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancers such as breast and colon. The study was undertaken by researchers from WHO together with academic colleagues and published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

What happens if you are not physically fit?

Without engaging in physical activity, our bodies burn fewer calories, leading to an energy imbalance. Over time, this imbalance can result in the accumulation of excess body fat and an increased risk of obesity-related health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.

What happens with a person who does not take physical exercise?

The consequences of not exercising can include an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, as well as a weakened immune system and bone density issues. Additionally, lack of physical activity can lead to a decrease in muscle strength, balance, and coordination.

What are the dangers of not being physically fit?

By not getting regular exercise, you raise your risk of: Obesity. Heart diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart attack. High blood pressure.

What are the effects of physical inactivity?

Studies have linked being inactive with being overweight and obese, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and early death. Sitting for long periods is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat.

The Big Benefits of Exercise is Not Weight Loss – Dr.Berg

What are 5 risks of physical inactivity?

Physical inactivity puts adults at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancers such as breast and colon. The study was undertaken by researchers from WHO together with academic colleagues and published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

What are the side effects of sitting too long?

Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with a number of health concerns. They include obesity and a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and unhealthy cholesterol levels — that make up metabolic syndrome.

What happens if you don't do fitness?

You can do enough physical activity to meet the guidelines, and still be sedentary if you spend a lot of time sitting or lying down. Sedentary behaviour and being physically inactive can result in a higher risk of some health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and depression.

Why is it important to stay physically fit?

Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.

How does lack of physical activity affect mental health?

Researchers found that sleep problems, a lack of energy, and physical inactivity may lead to a depressed mood and mood changes. The findings reverse conventional wisdom that depression leads to physical inactivity and show that the opposite may be true.

What are two consequences of not being physically active?

Your bones may get weaker and lose some mineral content. Your metabolism may be affected, and your body may have more trouble breaking down fats and sugars. Your immune system may not work as well. You may have poorer blood circulation.

What happens if you don't do your physical?

For example, an annual physical exam can provide advance warning of heart disease or cancer. In fact, cancer screening has become a routine part of physical examinations, especially for older adults. At the very least, your doctor can detect symptoms of unhealthy habits and work with you to make adjustments.

What are the symptoms of being unfit?

Other symptoms you may experience when feeling out of shape include fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain, or poor posture.
  • Low Cardiovascular Endurance. ...
  • Decreased Strength & Flexibility. ...
  • Increased Disease Risk. ...
  • The Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test. ...
  • Frailty. ...
  • Other Barriers to Exercise.

What happens when you don't fit in?

If you feel like you don't fit in, you might experience loneliness and social isolation — which are linked to higher rates of major depression and anxiety among people of all ages. People who are isolated and lonely also have a higher risk for suicide and self-harm.

How to tell if you're unfit?

There are, however, some other telltale signs that you need to move more often, such as the following ten signals.
  1. You're constantly fatigued. ...
  2. Your sleep is suffering. ...
  3. You've noticed changes in your weight and metabolism. ...
  4. You suffer from stiff joints. ...
  5. You've become forgetful and have difficulty concentrating.

What are the risks of physical activity?

The most common risk is injury to the musculoskeletal system, ranging from minor muscle strain to tissue or bone or joint trauma. The most serious risk of exercise is inducement of a cardiac event.

How can inactivity hurt your health?

Less active, less fit persons have a 30-50 percent greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for CVD itself. It ranks similarly to cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol.

Why is it important to not fit in?

Sometimes, not fitting in can be a superpower. Having a different perspective can empower you to question things and have insights that others in the meeting don't. Maybe your perspective comes because of your knowledge or lack thereof.

How many minutes should we walk daily?

Walking for 30 minutes a day or more on most days of the week is a great way to improve or maintain your overall health. If you can't manage 30 minutes a day, remember even short walks more frequently can be beneficial. Walking with others can turn exercise into an enjoyable social occasion.

What will happen if they are not physically fit?

Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and death worldwide. Alternately, regular physical activity reduces risk of many types of cancer by 8–28%; heart disease and stroke by 19%; diabetes by 17%, depression and dementia by 28–32%.

Will I lose muscle if I take 2 weeks off?

Early Changes: Research suggests that within the first two weeks of complete inactivity or immobilization, noticeable changes in muscle size and strength can occur. Some studies have shown that muscle protein synthesis starts to decline after a few days of disuse.

What are the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle?

Millions of people follow an unhealthy lifestyle. Hence, they encounter illness, disability and even death. Problems like metabolic diseases, joint and skeletal problems, cardio-vascular diseases, hypertension, overweight, violence and so on, can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.

Is lying down better than sitting?

Unlike sitting, lying flat reduces pressure on the spine, making it less likely to cause musculoskeletal issues like back pain. However, habitual lying down during waking hours can lead to similar negative effects of sitting, like slowed circulation and reduced energy expenditure.

What are the causes of physical inactivity?

Higher rates of inactivity are partly due to leisure time spent sitting - watching television, playing video games, and using the computer. Physical activity associated with work, tasks at home, and transportation has also declined due to economic growth, technological advancements, and social changes.

How many hours of sitting is unhealthy?

High risk: Sitting for 8–11 hours per day. Very high risk: Sitting for more than 11 hours per day.

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