1.1–1.2 Health, fitness, well-being and consequences of a sedentary lifestyle Typeit

"Lifestyle choices" is a term used to refer to how a person chooses to live their life; for example, negative lifestyle choices can include smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and having a bad diet. They can also include leading a sedentary lifestyle, which consists of little or no during day-to-day life. On the other hand, positive lifestyle choices could be exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep. It is important to lead a physically active lifestyle where possible throughout the day, and to avoid one which is sedentary. For example, having an active commute to and from work or school by choosing to cycle rather than taking the bus, choosing to take a walk at lunchtime over sitting and eating, and doing house chores in the evening instead of watching TV are all examples of alternative activities that promote a healthy lifestyle and avoid leading one that is sedentary. Let's explore the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle below.

The most notable consequence of a sedentary lifestyle is an unhealthy weight gain. An individual's  (BMI) gives them an indication of their weight status, which is calculated by weight (kg) / height² (m²). is classified as a BMI of 25–30 kg/m², whereas  is when BMI is >30 kg/m². However, the BMI classification is limited as it fails to account for differences in body composition. The indicator '' can overcome this issue as it can be used to describe someone with excess body fat, even if they are a healthy weight. This is important as excess fat increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, regardless of weight. If an individual's waist circumference is more than half their height, they fall under this classification.

Long-term health risks from leading a sedentary lifestyle include:

• Increased risk of . This occurs due to excess weight placing a greater stress on the skeletal system, and is reflected by a decrease in bone , increasing the risk of fractures.
• There is a risk of (CHD) due to high cholesterol and the build-up of fatty plaques on the arteries supplying the heart with oxygen
• Type 2 – usually develops in older individuals but is becoming more frequent in the younger generation. It occurs as a result of prolonged high blood glucose levels, which reduces the sensitivity of muscle cells to 
• High blood pressure (). This is due to impairments in blood flow because of fatty plaque deposits on artery walls
• Depression – due to being dissatisfied with how one's body looks and lack of stress relief that comes with physical activity
• Inactivity involves a lot of sitting in a slouched position, which can lead to poor
• Loss of muscle tone – exercise is essential for maintenance of muscle tissue; without it, muscle mass decreases
• If a sedentary individual does start to exercise, they will notice that their components of  will be poorly developed