According to the World Health Organization officials in Switzerland, colon, breast cancer and a decrease in heart disease takes place if a perosn exercises for about 2 1/2 hours every a week. This also decreases the risk of diabetes.

The risk of non-communicable diseases can be reduced in adults if moderate intensity aerobic physical activity of about 150 minutes is done every week, according to Dr. Ala Alwan, assistant director-general for non- communicable diseases and mental health at the WHO.

These recommendations are according to the new Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health.

Health of children and teens who are five to 17 years of age can also be protected if they indulge in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity. This also has a plus point of a decrease in heart disease, the risk of cancer and diabetes in their life later.

Alwan said, "Physical activity has a strong role to play in reducing the incidence of certain cancers. Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for all global deaths, with 31 percent of the world's population not physically active."

In many nations, there has been an increase in physical inactivity. This decrease accounts for about 3.2 million deaths taking place every year. About 2.6 million out of the total deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries. Deaths among people who are aged 60 years and less are about 670 000.