Regular Exercise Linked to Lower Risk of Death, New Study Shows

Regular Exercise Can Cut Risk of Early Death by Up to 40%, Study Finds.

Staying physically active in adulthood may significantly lower your chances of dying early — by as much as 40%, according to a new study from the University of Queensland.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study analysed data from 85 large-scale studies involving millions of people worldwide. It found that adults who remained physically active or increased their activity levels over time had a 20% to 40% lower risk of death, particularly from heart-related conditions, compared to those with a consistently sedentary lifestyle.

Tracking Activity Over Time
Unlike previous studies that capture physical activity at a single point, this research focused on how exercise habits evolved over time. Participants were grouped into four categories:

• Always active
• Increasingly active
• Decreasingly active
• Always inactive

Those in the first two groups — who maintained or increased their physical activity — had the most protection against early death.

It’s Never Too Late to Get Moving
Researchers emphasized that even people who became active later in life saw significant health benefits. In contrast, those who reduced activity lost much of that protective effect.

“This shows the long-term value of staying active — or becoming active — at any age,” said lead author Dr. Gregore Mielke.

Key Message
The study supports global guidelines recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Whether through walking, cycling, or any regular movement, staying active remains one of the most effective ways to boost long-term health.