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A recent study reveals that adults who are screened for physical inactivity during well visits exhibit significantly lower rates of comorbid conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Published online on January 2 in Preventing Chronic Disease, the study sheds light on the importance of routine physical activity screening in improving overall health outcomes.
The research, conducted by Dr. Cole G. Chapman and colleagues from the University of Iowa, analyzed data from over 40,000 adults who visited a large Midwestern university hospital for well visits between November 2017 and December 2022. A total of 7,261 patients were screened for inactivity, while 33,445 patients were not. These patients were categorized into three groups based on their physical activity levels: inactive (0 minutes/week), insufficiently active (1 to 149 minutes/week), and active (150+ minutes/week).
The study found that patients who were screened for inactivity had lower rates of multiple comorbidities compared to unscreened individuals. Those who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity presented significantly healthier cardiometabolic profiles and a reduced risk for up to 19 conditions related to inactivity, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
According to co-author Dr. Lucas J. Carr, “We believe this finding is a result of those patients who take the time to come in for annual wellness exams also taking more time to engage in healthy behaviors, such as being physically active.”
The results emphasize the potential benefits of incorporating physical activity screenings into routine healthcare visits, encouraging patients to remain active and reduce their risk of chronic diseases. By identifying those at risk for inactivity-related health issues, the study advocates for better preventative care and overall improvements in population health.
For more details, the full study can be accessed in Preventing Chronic Disease.
Source: Chapman, C.G., et al. (2025). “Identifying Patients at Risk for Cardiometabolic and Chronic Diseases by Using the Exercise Vital Sign to Screen for Physical Inactivity.” Preventing Chronic Disease. DOI: 10.5888/pcd22.240149
