Physical Activity and Health in Women

Abstract

Medical authorities advise US adults to perform a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity on most days of the week to improve health and reduce risk for many chronic conditions. New findings from epidemiologic studies suggest that physical activity not only reduces the risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes but also may prevent certain cancers (including colon and breast cancer), osteoporotic fracture, falls, cognitive decline, mood disturbances, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Physical activity is important for regulating body weight, but many cardiometabolic benefits of exercise are independent of such regulation. This article reviews recent epidemiologic evidence on physical activity with respect to a variety of health outcomes in women and concludes with guidance for clinicians seeking to boost activity levels in sedentary patients. However, additional research is needed on features of individual- and community-based interventions and policies that successfully promote healthful levels of physical activity.