The problem and its consequencesRegular physical activity is one of the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle. This can include running, walking, swimming, working in the garden or yard, and many other activities. However, American society is more physically inactive than ever before, with up to 31% of the population currently classified as inactive. The WHO (World Health Organization) places physical inactivity as the fourth risk factor for death worldwide, causing approximately 6% of all deaths (3.2 million) per year (2014). In the United States, it is ranked as the second leading cause of death behind smoking (Warren et al. 2010). The United Health Foundation (UHF) states that physical inactivity is a key risk factor for cardiovascular disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and premature death (2013). The WHO estimates that physical inactivity is responsible for 35% of all cases of heart disease, 27% of all cases of diabetes, and 21-25% of all breast and colon cancers (2014). Physical inactivity is defined as anyone who has not participated in any type of physical activity other than their usual work in the past 30 days (UHF 2013). The WHO recommends that children get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day and adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week to achieve substantial health benefits (2014). Americans' sedentary lifestyle may be due to several factors, such as the availability of more sedentary means of transportation, decreases in leisure-time physical activities, improvements in technology in the home, as well as technological advances in many areas. many fields of employment, making physical labor less common. . The ...... middle of article ...... e of liver and pancreatic cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and myeloma. Physical inactivity not only contributes to some of the deadliest health problems in America, but also costs an estimated $24 billion annually in direct medical costs (UHF 2013). The American Heart Association (AHA) states that obesity associated with physical inactivity costs U.S. businesses up to $225 billion annually in health-related productivity losses (2013). The average cost of health care per person is about $3,000 per year. An obese person costs employers an additional $460 to $2,500 in sick days and medical expenses per year (AHA 2013). The numerous health problems and increased medical expenses associated with physical inactivity should concern public health officials and should be addressed immediately..