HEALTH RISK BEHAVIORS

EXERCISE

Physical inactivity is a critical factor in the health status of a population. Exercise has been linked to healthy weight and BMI, reduction in various chronic diseases, normal growth and development, better quality of life, and healthy sleep patterns.

The CDC U.S. Diabetes Atlas34 reports Gallatin County has a self-reported “lack of physical activity” that is statistically higher than the state overall indicating they are less physically active than the average Kentuckian. As of 2020, Gallatin County has a physical inactivity rate of 43.3% of the population reporting no leisure time physical activity in the last 30 days34.

The source of data used in the Atlas includes the BRFSS data which defines physical inactivity as those respondents who answered no to the question “During the past month, other than your job, did you participate in any physical activities or exercises or exercises such as running, calisthenics, golf, gardening, or walking for exercise?”