Americans And Healthy Lifestyle: Fail

Guess what percentage of U.S. adults practices all four of basic behavioral characteristics that researchers say would constitute a “healthy lifestyle” and help protect against cardiovascular disease? 2.7. That discouraging number comes from researchers at Oregon State University, who examined how many adults succeed in four general barometers that could help define healthy behavior: a good diet, moderate exercise, a recommended body fat percentage and being a non-smoker. Yes, the results are credible. Science Daily reports that the research involved 4,745 people from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and included several measured behaviors, rather than just relying on self-reported information. Measurements of activity were done with an accelerometer, with a goal of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity a week. Blood samples were done to verify a person was a non-smoker. Body fat was measured with sophisticated X-ray absorptiometry, not just a crude measurement based on weight and height. And a healthy diet was one that was in the top 40 percent of people who ate foods recommended by the USDA. Wait, there’s more. The lifestyle characteristics were compared to “biomarkers” of cardiovascular health, including blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. Yes, 2.7 percent.