Lack of exercise 'bigger killer than obesity'
Researchers say even a 20 minute walk each day could have significant health benefits.
Just a brisk 20 minute walk each day could reduce a person's risk of early death, according to new research. The findings support numerous studies indicating the human health benefits of dog ownership.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge studied more than 334,000 European men and women over a 12-year period. During this time, 21,438 of the participants died and twice as many deaths were found to be attributable to lack of exercise than obesity.
While lack of exercise could contribute to obesity, researchers say the links between inactivity and early death are independent of an individual's body mass index (BMI).
Despite this, researchers say even a 20 minute walk each day could have significant health benefits, reducing the risk of early death by 16-30 per cent.
The findings are significant when taken alongside other research highlighting the higher levels of exercise among dog owners.
A study last year by the University of St Andrews found dog owners over the age of 65 were 12 per cent more active than those in the same age group who did not own a dog. Of those who took part in the study, nine per cent were dog owners and three-quarters of those walked their dogs.
Simiarly, a previous survey by the Kennel Club found a quarter of non-pet owners admit to never exercising, compared to 12 per cent of dog owners.
Lack of exercise has been consistently linked to a higher risk of diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Professor Ulf Ekelund, lead researcher from the University of Cambridge, commented: "This is a simple message: just a small amount of physical activity each day could have substantial health benefits for people who are physically inactive.
"Although we found that just 20 minutes would make a difference, we should really be looking to do more than this - physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life."
The research paper has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Exercise.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
