This document discusses physical activity, sedentary behavior, and their impacts on health. It defines physical activity as any body movement using skeletal muscles that burns energy, while sedentary behavior involves little movement. Physical activity is described based on type, frequency, duration, and intensity, and is classified as light, moderate, or vigorous based on metabolic equivalents (METs). The document outlines the physical, social, and mental health benefits of physical activity, as well as health risks like obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease that result from physical inactivity and sedentary behavior.

1. Physically Active
Lifestyles
Unit 2 SAC 2

2. Physical Activity &
Sedentary Behaviour
Physical Activity (PA): Any movement
of the body produced by skeletal
muscles, resulting in energy
expenditure
Sedentary Behaviour (SB): involves
activities requiring little or no
movement.

3. Dimensions of PAType: What the activity is
Frequency: How many times per week the activity is
undertaken
Duration: how long the activity goes for per day or
week
Intensity: the effort placed into the activity
Low: can sing while being active <50%MHR
Moderate: can carry a conversation 50-70% MHR
Vigorous: cannot talk 70-85% MHR

4. METs
Metabolic Equivalent
Measure of intensity
1 MET is generally
sedentary
3-4 METs is moderate
intensity PA
6+ METs is vigorous
intensity

5. Physical Benefits of
PA
Reduce risk of…
CV Disease
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
High BP
Colon and other cancers
Osteoporosis

6. Can assist to:
Build & maintain healthy bones, muscles & joints
Improve posture
Achieve & maintain healthy body weight
Protect against musculoskeletal injuries in children
Lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides
Increase good cholesterol
Keep older adults physically strong and prevent fatigue
Physical Benefits of
PA

7. Social Benefits of PA
Make new friends
Strengthen existing relationships
Provide opportunities for social interaction
Build community support networks
Reduce social isolation & exclusion
Reduce workplace absence due to illness
Increase independence in older adults

8. Mental Benefits of PA
Improved mood
Reduce incidence of depression, anxiety & stress
Improved self-esteem
Improved ability for people with chronic illness to participate in daily
activities
Improved sleep
Greater energy
Improved perception of self & identity
Improved cognitive function

9. Physical Inactivity &
SB Health Risks
Overweight & Obesity
Type 2 Diabetes
Hypertension
High Cholesterol
Cardiovascular Disease

10. Overweight & Obesity
Overweight is a
condition of excess body
fat resulting from energy
imbalance. BMI 25-29%
Obesity is a result of
increased energy
consumption and
decreased PA over a
long period of time. BMI
30% >

11. Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease
that causes high blood-
glucose levels
People do not produce
insulin or it does not
work effectively
Type 2 Diabetes means
the person is insulin
resistant

12. Hypertension
High blood
pressure
Increases
risk of
developing
stroke,
heart attack
& renal
disease

13. High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance found in body cells
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): carry cholesterol in
the blood to the liver to be removed (GOOD)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): carry most of the cholesterol
in the blood but cause fatty deposits on artery walls
(BAD)
Triglycerides: found in the blood and stored in fat
cells, high levels increase risk of heart disease
High cholesterol narrows arteries making the heart work
harder

14. Cardiovascular
Disease (CVD)
Describes conditions
affecting the heart &
blood vessels
Includes: stroke, high
blood pressure & heart
attack