Abstract
Sedentary lifestyle is one of the ten leading causes of death and disability in the world [1]. Physical inactivity increases all causes mortality and the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type II diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, colon and breast cancer, depression, and anxiety [2]. Yet, around the world, physical activity levels are decreasing, particularly among young people. It is estimated that less than 35% of young people are sufficiently active to benefit their present and future health and well-being [1]. This is discouraging for a number of reasons. First, research suggests that patterns of physical activity adopted at a young age are likely to persist into adulthood [3, 4]. Second, involvement in physical activity and sports may encourage the adoption of other health behaviors such as a healthy diet, better safety practices such as seatbelt use, and the avoidance of health risk behaviors such as tobacco and alcohol use [5, 6]. Thus, physical activity may influence health outcomes both directly and indirectly through the encouragement of other behaviors that promote health and reduce the risk of accident and injury.
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Zelli, A., Reichmann, S.K., Lucidi, F., Grano, C. (2007). A Longitudinal Investigation of Physical Activity and Health Behaviors in Italian University Students. In: Stocchi, V., De Feo, P., Hood, D.A. (eds) Role of Physical Exercise in Preventing Disease and Improving the Quality of Life. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-0376-7_14
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-0376-7_14
Publisher Name: Springer, Milano
Print ISBN: 978-88-470-0375-0
Online ISBN: 978-88-470-0376-7
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