The pandemic aggravates sedentary lifestyle among the Spanish population

Since almost a year ago the pandemic broke into our daily lives, we have definitely become much more homely. TOAfter all, we may never have spent as much time at home as these past few months. The measures adopted to slow the rate of infections have caused us to spend many more hours sitting on the couch when not in front of the TV or lounging in bed. This, obviously, has a reflection on our health, since sedentary lifestyle is one of the main indications of an obesity problem, which in turn leads to other diseases such as hypertension or diabetes.

Although at the beginning we took exercise as one of those essential activities to do at home and kill time, the surveys reflect a decline in the general health of Spaniards that undoubtedly has to do with the fact that we are now much more sedentary. The Spanish Obesity Society (SEDO) published a study in which it was clear that more than half of Spaniards, specifically 56% did much less exercise between March and April of last year. This decrease in physical activity resulted in 44% of the population will gain weight during the first half of 2020.

Physical exercise is also a powerful natural stress reliever that prevents anxiety episodes

Another study, this time from the Ipsos Institute, assures that Spain is the European country where more citizens have gained weight since March 2020 (around 38%), compared to other countries such as Italy (35%) or Great Britain (32%). In general, 31% of the world population admits having gained weight. And it is precisely the amount of physical activity that we do one of the main conditions to change these alarming data and turn them around.

The importance of physical activity

There are countless studies that address the health improvements that the fact of not following a sedentary routine has. For example, two studies found how people who cycle to work are 40% less likely to die prematurely than those that do not, according to an article in 'The Guardian'. Even a study published in the journal 'JAMA Oncology' monitored 8,000 participants with tracking devices to obtain data on their levels of movement, discovering that those who spent more time sitting they were more likely to develop some type of cancer in the future.

A too sedentary life increases the risk of cancer

ACyV

To prevent this from happening, there are plenty of alternatives. From the many exercises to do at home that are available in YouTube videos even brief periods of daily physical activity that you can do in the comfort of your home to disconnect and move your body. A recent study found how it takes just 30 minutes to feel better and take care of your health.

In the same way, physical exercise also serves to prevent episodes of anxiety or stress, so common in this time of uncertainty. Therefore, it not only prevents obesity, but also serves as an effective natural stress reliever due to the hormones that we release when we subject our body to a level of daily physical demand. For all this, there are no more excuses to move more and thus take better care of your health and live many more years in full physical and mental faculties.