Brisk Walking Reduces Physical Inactivity

People increase their physical activity through leisure and transport brisk walking

A report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) highlights that consistent brisk walking reduces physical inactivity by 13%. Insufficient physical activity increases the risk of several health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The Australian Burden of Disease Study (ABDS) 2011 quantified this impact, identifying physical inactivity as one of the leading contributors to disease burden. Disease burden refers to the loss of health due to living with illness or injury, or from dying prematurely.

The report shows physical inactivity contributes to:

 • 19% of diabetes cases

 • 16% of bowel & uterine cancers

 • 14% of dementia

 • 11% of breast cancer & heart disease

 • 10% of strokes

Here's your ROI of consistent brisk walking:

15 minutes of brisk walking

5x/week = 13% lower disease burden

30 minutes = 26% lower

The benefits increase with every step, specially impactful for adults aged 65+. The report highlights that small and consistent increases in daily physical activity, particularly among people who are mostly sedentary, can lead to significant long-term health benefits. Leisure and transport remain key areas for targeted efforts to increase physical activity across the population. References:  https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/impact-of-physical-inactivity-chronic-conditions/summary