You've seen them. The statistics. The Charts. The Graphs. The Pictures.
They all demonstrate the need for physical activity and healthy eating, which help to power the passion behind our efforts to advance policy. Knowing the facts, and having them right are crucial as we meet with lawmakers to influence positive change for our communities.
To brush up on your knowledge about the effects of physical activity check out the list below.
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More of us are overweight.
Adult (and childhood) obesity/overweight level continues to increase: 65% of all Adults are obese or overweight. -
It is more difficult today to create an active lifestyle.
People are less active due to technology and better mass transportation.
Sedentary jobs have increased 83% since 1950; Physically active jobs now make up only about 25% of our workforce. That is 50% less than 1950.
Our average work week is longer. Americans work 47 hours a week - 164 more hours a year than 20 years ago. -
Extra weight costs us physically and financially.
Obesity costs American companies $225.8B per year in health-related productivity losses.
The average healthcare cost exceeds $3,000 per person annually. An obese employee costs employer additional $460 to $2,500 in medical costs and sick days per year.
The consequences and problems from our overweight society are sobering. However, we can all make changes. There's the good news about physical activity and why moving for 30 minutes a day can change your life for the better. See “Physical Activity Improves Quality of Life” on the American Heart Association web site for some real motivation!
You’re the Cure will be looking for opportunities for obesity related policy work in the coming year.
Read additional statistics:
- Worksite Wellness Position Paper: (Circulation Journal 10/27/09) Recommendations for components of wellness programs, environmental modifications, regulations/policy approaches, vulnerable/special populations.
- Walking can Lower Risk of Heart-related Conditions as much as Running
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