(RxWiki News) Even if you're not meeting the recommended exercise levels, walking a little may still lower your risk of dying, according to a new study.
Of course, for most people, walking at the recommended levels is even healthier, but this new study provided some potential good news for the estimated half of Americans who don't meet weekly exercise recommendations.
This study looked at nearly 140,000 participants' exercise habits and health outcomes. The participants who walked but didn't meet current exercise recommendations still had a lower overall risk of dying when compared to those who got no exercise.
Those who exceeded exercise recommendations saw an even better drop in mortality rates, this study found.
Past research has linked walking to lower numbers of breast and colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Currently, health officials recommend that adults get 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week.
Always consult with your health care provider before starting any new exercise program.
This study was published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
The American Cancer Society funded this research. The study authors disclosed no potential conflicts of interest.
