Final answer:
Moderate physical activity is associated with significant health benefits including reduced risk for chronic diseases, improved mental and muscular health, weight management, enhanced immune function, and increased life expectancy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Epidemiological studies associate moderate physical activity with a plethora of health benefits. Such benefits include, but are not limited to, a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and various types of cancer such as colon, breast, and lung. Physical activity also contributes to improved mental health, reducing the incidence of depression and aiding in cognitive function. Regarding musculoskeletal health, regular moderate exercise increases bone density and muscular fitness. Moreover, it supports weight loss and weight maintenance strategies.
The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for substantial health benefits. These activities are also associated with increased life expectancy and decreased mortality rates. Additionally, evidence suggests that moderate exercise can enhance the immune system, decreasing the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infections and possibly reducing death rates from certain cancers.
Yet despite the significant benefits, reports indicate a vast majority of Americans fall short of meeting these guidelines, emphasizing the need for heightened public health initiatives and education concerning physical activity.