Changes in Lifestyle & The importance of physical activity
Over the last 100 years lifestyle patterns have changed drastically; from an increase in sedentary living and certain food consumptions, to a rise in alcohol intake and cigarette smoking. There has also been a significant decrease in exercise - a trend that continues - with strong indications that this has resulted in a significant increase in obesity, and conditions associated with obesity (NAO 2001).
Obesity occurs as a result of the accumulation of excess body fat, with a BMI of more than 30 termed as obese and over 40 said to be seriously obese, and is linked to osteoporosis, chronic heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Whilst lifestyle changes are not fully to blame for the rises in obesity - 25% of obesity transmission comes from genetic factors (Stunkard et al 1990) - a decline in exercise combined with ‘excess living' is the primary contributing factor.
Risk factors linked with osteoporosis that are modifiable, and can be altered through human intervention, include diet (low intake in calcium and Vit D), inactive lifestyle, smoking and excess alcohol. The development of atherosclerotic plaque within coronary arteries has also shown a significant increase but again can be modifiable.
Diabetes adds to the rates of atherosclerosis plaque being formed and the development of atherosclerotic plaque can in turn contribute to a rise in arterial blood pressure (McArdle et al 2000). Obesity is strongly linked to the development of atherosclerotic plaque, due to a rise in circulating lipids and cholesterol build up.
How can exercise help
Hypertension is one of the largest risk factors associated with coronary heart disease and physical activity has a positive benefit on blood pressure, in helping bring it to a normal level. Exercise may lower blood pressure by reducing sympathetic nervous system hormones (catecholamines). This response decreases peripheral vascular resistance to blood flow, therefore resulting in a decrease in blood pressure.
Whilst blood pressure controlling drugs like diuretics, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers control blood pressure they may not address the cause of high blood pressure. However, aerobic fitness may indicate if an individual has high blood pressure and studies show that less active individuals have higher systolic blood pressure and therefore an increased risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Exercise should be seen as the cornerstone therapy for primary prevention, treatment and control of hypertension, obesity and associated conditions. Based on current evidence it is suggested that a hypertensive individual should exercise (at an intensity of 40-60 % VO2 max) for around 30 minutes of continuous or accumulated physical activity per day.
UCS Active is a local club offering the very best in health, fitness, sport, and well being, and our experienced, dedicated personal trainers and exercise specialists are there to guide individuals to their personal fitness goals.
'Together we're in better shape'
Jessneek Rattan (Bsc) Fitness Manager UCS Activewww.ucsactive.org.uk
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