Physical_Activity_Guidelines

Why and How the Physical Activity
Guidelines for Americans Was Developed
The Rationale for Physical Activity Guidelines
Extensive scientific evidence supports the importance of
recommending that all Americans should engage in regular
physical activity to improve overall health and to reduce the
risk of many health problems. Physical activity is a leading
example of how lifestyle choices have a profound effect on
health. The choices people make about other lifestyle factors,
such as diet, smoking, and alcohol use, also have important
and independent effects on their health.
Learn More
See Chapter 2. Physical Activity
and Health for more information on the
many health benefits of physical activity.
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is designed to
provide information and guidance on the types and amounts of physical activity that provide substantial health
benefits. The primary audience is policy makers and health professionals, though this information may also be
useful to interested members of the public. The main idea behind the Guidelines is that regular physical activity
over months and years can produce long-term health benefits.
The information in the Guidelines is necessary because of the importance of physical activity to the health of
Americans, whose current inactivity puts them at unnecessary risk. Healthy People 2020 set objectives for
increasing the level of physical activity in Americans over the decade from 2010 to 2020. Although the latest
information shows some improvements in physical activity levels among American adults, only 26 percent of
men, 19 percent of women, and 20 percent of adolescents report sufficient activity to meet the relevant aerobic
and muscle-strengthening guidelines (see Figures 1-1 and 1-2).
Chapter 1. Introducing the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 15