Role of Inactivity in Chronic Diseases: Evolutionary Insight and Pathophysiological Mechanisms.

Area of Science:

• Evolutionary biology
• Behavioral genetics
• Public health

Background:

• Physical inactivity affects 86% of the U.S. population, falling short of established health guidelines.
• It is an underappreciated cause of at least 35 conditions, including major causes of death.
• Genes influencing physical inactivity are suggested by twin and animal breeding studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose physical inactivity as an evolutionarily selected behavior.
• To review the characteristics, models, and impacts of physical inactivity.
• To highlight its independent role in disease onset and health decline.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature, including twin and animal selective breeding studies.
• Introduction of nine physical inactivity-related themes.
• Presentation of characteristics, models, phenotypes, organ systems, and diseases impacted by inactivity.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests genetic predispositions for physical inactivity.
• Physical inactivity independently accelerates loss of fitness, shortens healthspan, and lowers age of first chronic disease onset.
• It negatively impacts behavior, central nervous system, cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolism, and more.

Conclusions:

• Physical inactivity is a significant, independent contributor to chronic diseases and mortality.
• Addressing physical inactivity is crucial for improving public health, quality of life, and healthcare costs.
• Understanding its evolutionary basis may inform public health strategies.