A study by researchers at Oregon State University found that the overwhelming majority of Americans do not live a healthy lifestyle. The study measured how people followed four healthy characteristics: moderate exercise, a good diet, not smoking and having a recommended body fat percentage.
The target for exercise was 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. Blood samples confirmed whether a person was a smoker, and body fat was measured using X-ray technology. A good diet consisted of consuming foods suggested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The study found that 78 percent of adults did not smoke, 38 percent ate a good diet, 10 percent had a healthy body fat percentage, and 46 percent exercised regularly. However, less than 3 percent of adults achieved all four measures.
These measures are important because they reflect a lower risk for heart disease, cancer and Type 2 diabetes. This study indicates that Americans still have a way to go in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
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