Physical exercise is essential to maintaining health and wellness. After all, continuing to move regularly prevents the onset of chronic diseases, keeps extra pounds at bay and also contributes to mental health. But how much time of the day should you dedicate to exercise? A recent study seems to have found the answer.
Research published in the journal JAMA Network suggests that 20 minutes of physical activity a day, between moderate and vigorous, is enough to reduce the health problems that most commonly lead people to hospital admissions.
“Replacing 20 minutes per day of sitting time with 20 minutes per day of physical activity was associated with a significant reduction in risk for a wide range of conditions,” the study authors said. The work was led by researcher Eleanor Watts from the University of Edinburgh.
According to the results, the regular practice of physical activities was able to reduce the risks for 9 out of the 25 most common causes of hospitalization. The most common risk-reduced conditions with routine exercise were gallbladder disease, diabetes and urinary tract infections.
To measure the impact of physical activity on people’s health, the researchers assessed the health histories of 81,000 residents of England between the ages of 42 and 78. Participants were also provided with wrist monitors, which tracked their heart rate over the course of one week.
Benefits of physical exercise
To be more motivated to train, it is interesting to know how regular physical activity affects your body. Vascular surgeon Dr. Aline Lamita, member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SBACV).
In addition, it is also an important activity for healthy aging, highlights Dr. Marcela Garthes, Director and Professor of the Brazilian Association of Dietetics (ABRAN) and member of the Brazilian Association for the Study of Gerontology.
“It is able to prevent the development of liver diseases, protecting metabolism from the consequences of aging. It also benefits the brain and mental health, helps treat chronic anxiety and promotes epigenetic changes in our DNA. All this reduces the risk of disease, “explains the expert.
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.