The Role of Exercise in Preventing Lifestyle Diseases

Abstract

Lifestyle diseases, including obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, are rising globally, primarily due to sedentary behavior and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Regular physical activity has been identified as a critical factor in preventing these conditions by improving metabolic, cardiovascular, and overall health. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity and key health indicators, including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, and heart rate. A total of 100 participants aged 20–50 years were recruited and equally divided into active and inactive groups based on self-reported exercise frequency. Data were collected using physical activity questionnaires, health records, and direct physiological measurements. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that active participants had significantly lower BMI, blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose levels compared to inactive participants. Pearson correlation revealed significant negative associations between exercise frequency and all measured health indicators (BMI: r = −0.56, p < .01; blood pressure: r = −0.49, p < .01; blood glucose: r = −0.44, p < .01). Regression analysis demonstrated that exercise frequency significantly predicted BMI, explaining 27% of the variance (β = −0.52, t = −5.62, p < .001). These findings confirm that higher physical activity levels are associated with better metabolic and cardiovascular health and highlight the protective role of regular exercise in reducing the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Promoting consistent physical activity through public health interventions and individual behavior change is essential to mitigate the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.