Physical inactivity can be deadly

Not getting enough exercise is now causing as many deaths as smoking throughout the world, a new study has found.

Around one-in-three adults are not keeping physically active enough, and this is estimated to cause causing 5.3 million deaths a year worldwide, according to the research.

Scientists say the problem is now so critical it should be treated as a major epidemic.

The study, carried out by researchers in a number of centtres around the world, found that people in higher income countries were the least physically active.

Pedro Hallal, one of the lead researchers, said: "with the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games, sport and physical activity will attract tremendous worldwide attention."

"The global challenge is clear - make physical activity a public health priority throughout the world to improve health and reduce the burden of disease."

The research is published in the Lancet.

[Posted: Sun 22/07/2012]