National Physical Activity Guidelines

Children (5–12) – At least 60 minutes (up to several hours is recommended) of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day, with focus on developing motor skills and having fun – no more than two hours per day surfing the net, watching TV or playing video games.

Youth (12–18) – At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day and no more than two hours using electronic media (unless educational).

Overweight and obese – Begin slowly, working up to 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity, being sure to not overdo it to cause injury, then increase to 60–90 minutes to avoid weight gain.

Older people – Should follow Adult guidelines – strength and balance training also recommended.

High blood pressure, hypertension – One-third of all cases of high blood pressure are associated with obesity. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight.

High blood cholesterol – 50% more likely to have elevated blood cholesterol levels.

Diabetes Type 2 – Non-insulin dependent accounts for nearly 90% of all cases of diabetes. Researchers estimate that 88 to 97% of type 2 diabetes cases diagnosed in overweight people are a direct result of obesity.

Congestive heart failure – Obesity increases the risk of congestive heart failure, a potentially fatal condition in which the heart muscle weakens, progressively losing the ability to pump blood.

Heart disease – Heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina or chest pain, and abnormal heart rhythm is increased in persons who are overweight or obese.

Stroke – There is a link between obesity and stroke; this is particularly the case for people whose fat is situated predominantly in the abdominal region. Overweight people are more likely to have high blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, but these associations are not the only explanations for the greater stroke rate.

Gallstones and gall bladder disorders

Gout – The chance this condition may develop in people with obesity incidents are remarkably higher than people who are at a healthy weight, gout is strongly associated with obesity.

Osteoarthritis – Obesity may be a major factor in the development of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee and especially in women.

Cancer – Such as endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.

Complications of pregnancy

Poor female reproductive health – Examples would be menstrual irregularities, infertility, and irregular ovulation.

Bladder control problems – Such as stress incontinence.

Psychological disorders – Such as depression, eating disorders, distorted body image, and low self-esteem.

In the US there are Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.