Understanding the link between physical activity, diet and health

Understanding the Link Between Physical Activity, Diet, and Health

Balance between Energy Intake and Energy Expenditure

  • Physical activity and diet are intertwined, managing our energy balance - the relationship between ‘energy in’ from the food we eat and ‘energy out’ by the calories we burn during activities and rest.
  • If the energy we consume is more than we expend, it leads to a positive energy balance, often resulting in weight gain.
  • If the energy we consume is less than we expend, it leads to a negative energy balance and can cause weight loss.

Role of Physical Activity in Health

  • Regular physical activity contributes to maintaining a healthy body weight by increasing energy expenditure.
  • It also plays a significant role in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
  • Exercise improves bone health, muscle strength, balance and coordination.
  • Besides physical health, physical activity plays an essential role in mental well-being by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Impact of Diet on Health

  • A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients which are essential for the body to function correctly.
  • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products, while low in processed foods, saturated fats and sugar, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  • Poor nutrition, marked by an excess or deficiency of necessary nutrients, can lead to conditions such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer.

Interconnection between Exercise and Nutrition

  • Both diet and physical activity work together to maintain body weight and overall health.
  • The type, intensity and duration of the physical activity should dictate the diet to ensure the body receives the right nutrients it needs for the energy used.
  • The body needs carbohydrates and fats as primary sources of energy for physical activity, and sufficient protein to repair and build tissues.
  • Proper hydration is also critical during exercise to replace the water lost through perspiration.

Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle

  • A healthy lifestyle incorporates both a balanced diet and regular physical activity, along with good sleep, low stress levels, and abstaining from harmful activities like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Governments, schools and health organisations promote regular exercise and good nutrition as fundamental components for a healthy lifestyle.