Question 87 of 433
If exercise were a drug, how good would it be?
The short answer
Exercise benefits more systems than almost any single treatment. Its value comes from many outcomes, not a fair head-to-head comparison with every drug.
Regular exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, at least eight cancers, depression, dementia, and falls. No medication touches that range. In large studies, active people live three to seven years longer than inactive people, and the years are better.
The biggest benefit is not at the top. It comes from moving out of the bottom. Going from nothing to a brisk 20-minute walk a day delivers more than going from fit to very fit.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST, MULTIPLE DESIGNS — Adults: activity improves several health outcomes; extra years are chiefly observational estimates.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 6, Q87 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.