Study: A Few Minutes of Vigorous Exercise Daily Cuts Risk of Eight Chronic Diseases
A new study published in the European Heart Journal found that doing more than 4% of daily activity at vigorous intensity reduces the risk of eight chronic diseases and lowers overall mortality by 46%. Researchers analyzed data from about 96,000 people wearing wrist activity trackers over nine years.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that even a small amount of vigorous physical activity each day can sharply reduce the risk of developing eight chronic diseases.
Researchers analyzed data from approximately 96,000 people in the UK Biobank who wore wrist activity trackers over an average of nine years. Participants who performed more than 4% of their total daily activity at vigorous intensity showed substantially lower disease risk across multiple conditions.
The findings showed a 63% lower risk of dementia, 60% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, 48% lower risk of fatty liver disease, 44% lower risk of chronic respiratory disease, 41% lower risk of chronic kidney disease, 39% lower risk of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, 31% lower risk of major cardiovascular events, and 29% lower risk of atrial fibrillation. Overall mortality risk dropped by 46%.
Vigorous activity is defined as exercise that raises heart rate and breathing enough to make speaking in full sentences difficult. Examples include running, cycling, fast swimming, or climbing stairs quickly.
Researchers noted that even people who are relatively inactive can benefit from adding short bursts of higher-intensity movement. For older adults or those with mobility limitations, vigorous activity is relative to their baseline.
The study was highlighted by CNN on April 15, 2026.
