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A lack of physical activity is an important modifiable risk factor that contributes to obesity and CAD risk. Physical inactivity is practically epidemic in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control, less than a third of US adults engage in regular leisure-time physical activity.2,40 African Americans, Hispanics, people with lower educational levels, and those with incomes below the poverty level have especially low rates of physical activity.2
Women have lower rates of physical activity than men. In 2000, more than 28% of women were "never active" or engaged in only a low level of physical activity (Figure 4).40 The number of US deaths due to physical inactivity and poor diet increased by 33% from 1990 to 2000, reaching 400,000 (16.6% of all deaths) in 2000.41
Figure 4. Activity Levels of Women Aged  18 Years
(Age-Adjusted Percentages From 2000)40
*"Never active" is defined as inactive during usual daily activities and never and/or unable to engage in leisure-time physical activity. "Low activity level" is defined as moderately active during usual daily activities and never and/or unable to engage in leisure-time physical activity.
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Risk Factors
Office-Based Risk Assessment
Risk Reduction
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