hamburger
×
Digit General Insurance Logo
Powered By Digit
mobile-img

Get your ABHA Card Online

Create and Download Instantly

desktop-img

10 Diseases Caused By Lack of Exercise & Sedentary Lifestyle

What is Sedentary Lifestyle?

What Are the Causes of a Sedentary Lifestyle?

Causes Description
Technology An increased use of computers, television sets, and mobile telephones, mainly for entertainment, leads to more and more time spent sitting.
Work Environment Most modern-day jobs require people to sit for a prolonged period, either at desks or facing screens, thereby contributing to this sedentary lifestyle.
Lack of Physical Activity With hectic schedules and lack of motivation, it is easy not to exercise enough; hence, after a long day of no physical activity, it becomes easy to stay inactive.
Urbanisation The design of cities usually discourages physical activity, reducing opportunities for exercise due to a lack of parks, bike lanes, and walkable areas.
Transportation High dependence on the car for daily mobility decreases the need to walk or cycle to work, increasing the likelihood of prolonged sitting and less movement.
Lifestyle Choices Preferences for activities that involve sitting still, like watching TV or playing video games, generally lead to longer sitting periods and less physical activity.

What Does Lack of Physical Activity Mean?

10 Common Diseases Caused by Lack of Physical Activity

Signs and Symptoms of Diseases Caused by Lack of Physical Activity?

Signs and Symptoms Description
Gradual Weight Gain Inactivity primarily leads to weight gain and obesity because there is less burning of calories and a change in metabolic path. People gain more body fat at the midsection part of the body.
Heart Issues High blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol result in an increased risk of contracting heart complications and stroke and lead to shortness of breath and easy fatigue.
Diabetes Lack of sufficient exercise leads to reduced insulin sensitivity and impaired glucose metabolism, predisposing one to the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Weak Joints and Muscles Sedentary behavior weakens muscles and joints, causing aches, pains, and decreased mobility. One may also feel stiffness and a general loss of flexibility.
Fractures Without exercise, bone mass decreases, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and bone breakage or fractures. This can lead to probable balance loss.
Depressive Symptoms Deficiency in physical activity causes depression, anxiety, and stress. Depression symptoms are sorrow, loss of interest in things, problems with concentrating, and sleep disturbance.

Risk Factors Associated With Diseases Caused by Lack of Physical Activity?

Risk Factors Description
Contracting Cardiovascular Diseases Sedentary behaviour is among the major risk factors in developing certain cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, owing to reduced blood circulation and poor heart performance.
Having Type 2 Diabetes A sedentary lifestyle can develop insulin resistance and can lead to obesity, which are two of the major risk factors in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Contracting Obesity due to Inactivity Physical inactivity leads to weight increase and obesity, increasing the risks for several chronic diseases. Obese people also find it difficult to lose weight.
Having Certain Cancers Physical inactivity causes an increased incidence of many forms of cancer, like breast, colon, and endometrial cancers. These cancers may or may not be detected on time.
Having Musculoskeletal Problems The lack of exercise can result in weak muscles, poor bone density, and increased susceptibility to osteoporosis and joint problems.
Dealing with Mental Health Disorders Physical inactivity is associated with an increased prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders. One partial explanation is through the impact on brain chemicals that regulate mood.
Poor Metabolic Syndrome Lack of activity is more frequently responsible for the development of major risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

How to Diagnose Diseases Caused by Lack of Physical Activity?

Diagnosis Method Description
Medical History The information sought includes lifestyle habits like the frequency and intensity of exercise, diet regimes, a family history of chronic disease, and health-related symptoms or complaints.
Physical Examination General examination of a patient to assess his overall condition regarding weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, heart rate, and physical fitness.
Diagnostic Tests Blood Tests: Determination of risk factors like the level of blood sugar (for diabetes), cholesterol levels, and levels of inflammation markers.
Cardiovascular Tests: Electrocardiogram (ECG) and stress tests are performed to determine the heart's health and detect conditions like coronary artery disease.
Bone Density Scans: Clinical evaluation to determine the health condition of the bones and thereby determine the potential risks of osteoporosis.
Imaging Studies: X-rays or MRIs are diagnostic procedures for musculoskeletal problems involving bone and joint conditions.
Risk Assessment Tools Tools and questionnaires, like the Framingham Risk Score for cardiovascular diseases, can trace disease risk factors based on physical inactivity.

Treatment Methods for Diseases Caused by Lack of Physical Activity?

Treatment Method Description
Exercise Programs Regular physical activity should be prescribed according to the health condition and individual's capacity, like aerobic exercises, strength training, flexibility exercises, and balance activities.
Dietary Changes The diet should include a well-balanced diet enriched with nutrients, which helps maintain body weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol.
Medication In hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol, medications can be prescribed to manage symptoms or mitigate potential risks. These should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
Behavioural Therapy Counselling or therapy helps overcome motivational or psychological obstacles which preclude higher physical activity. It involves cognitive-behavioral strategies for healthier habits.
Physical Therapy Physical therapy can help with rehabilitation, pain management, and improving muscular strength and mobility in people with musculoskeletal problems.
Monitoring and Follow-up This includes periodic reviews by healthcare providers to track a patient's progress, adjust the treatment applied, and ensure that the lifestyle changes are effective.
Education and Support Providing information and resources about including some physical activity in one's daily routine supports adherence.

What Are the Preventive Measures to Control Disease Caused by Lack of Physical Activity?

Preventive Measures Description
Regular Exercise Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or a combination.
Healthy Diet Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, with a limited intake of highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat snacks.
Weight Management Combine regular physical activity with a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity and developing associated diseases.
Routine Health Screenings Individuals should establish regular visits with healthcare providers to screen for risk factors such as hypertension, blood cholesterol levels, and blood sugar.
Reduction of Sedentary Behaviour Spend less time sitting or engaging in other sedentary activities. Increase your movement throughout the day by taking standing breaks and performing light activities.
Education and Awareness Educate people about the benefits of physical activity and the risks of not getting enough exercise. This may help spur motivational impulses for health-promoting activities.
Support Systems Get support from the community or social support groups working towards doing some physical activity or living healthily. Family and friends could be a source of motivation.
Setting Realistic Goals Initiating realistic goals for physical activity will help build a continuing routine by increasing its intensity and duration over time.

Integrating these preventive measures into everyday life can go a long way toward decreasing the risk of diseases associated with lack of activity and remarkably improving health and well-being.

What Are the Recommended Tips to Become Physically Active?

Does Health Insurance Cover Disease Caused by Lack of Physical Activity?

FAQs about Diseases Caused by Lack of Physical Activity