MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis has been named one of the unhealthiest cities in America, but at least one new study could get folks in the Bluff City moving.
Researchers at Cambridge University say a lack of exercise is twice as deadly as being obese.
The scientists, who studied 334,000 men and women over a 12-year period, found a moderate amount of exercise compared with no activity was the key to lowering the chances of a premature death.
They found the health benefits were the same for those overweight or obese.
“It’s not saying be obese and exercise and you’ll be okay. It’s saying there are still benefits even if you are obese because I think a lot of people use as I’m overweight or I need to lose weight first before I can exercise as an excuse, but this study shows that there are benefits to exercise for everyone,” Dr. Stephanie Connelly with Midtown Internal Medicine said.
The researchers said exercise that burns 90 to 110 calories a day, or about 20 minutes of brisk walking, could cut the risk of an early death by between 16 and 30 percent.
That’s exactly what is motivating Shonnase Woods. The Memphis father started walking and running about a year ago.
“I got a wife and kid. I’m trying stick around for a long time,” Woods said.
Fitness experts say start with short workouts and build your way up. They say the more active you are, the more you’ll want to do it.
Doctors say people who exercise are also more conscious about what they eat.
Using the most recent data on deaths in Europe, the Cambridge researchers estimated 337,000 of 9.2 million deaths were linked to obesity, and twice that number could be connected to a lack of exercise.
