One-third of the world physically inactive

GENEVA, Switzerland, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- About 2 1/2 hours of exercise a week reduces breast and colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease risk, World Health Organization officials in Switzerland say.

Dr. Ala Alwan, assistant director-general for non-communicable diseases and mental health at the WHO, says the new Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health advise at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity per week can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases for adults.

At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity can protect the health of children and teens ages 5 to 17 and, in turn, reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease when they are adults.

"Physical activity has a strong role to play in reducing the incidence of certain cancers," Alwan says in a statement. "Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for all global deaths, with 31 percent of the world's population not physically active."

Physical inactivity is increasing in many countries. It is associated with:

-- 3.2 million deaths per year, including 2.6 million in low- and middle-income countries.

-- 670 000 premature deaths of people age 60 and younger.

-- About 30 percent of diabetes and ischaemic heart disease burden.