Role of exercise and physical activity in prevention and management of chronic diseases

The burden of chronic disease and the cost of treatment and management has skyrocketed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 17.9 million people died from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 2016 making it the leading cause of death. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and was responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018, there are other chronic diseases which include obesity, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Most chronic diseases can be caused and aggravated by physical inactivity amongst other factors. However, physical activity and exercise when properly implemented demonstrate tremendous effect in the prevention and management of several chronic diseases and health related conditions. This review focuses on the role of exercise in prevention and management of chronic diseases and the biochemical mechanism underlying it.