U.S updates physical activity guidance for first time since 2008

The Department of Health and Human Services has released a new set of guidelines outlining the physical activity recommended for Americans to stay healthy.

Why it matters: Only 26% of men, 19% of women and 20% of adolescents meet the 2008 guidelines, a deficiency that has resulted in nearly $117 billion in annual health care costs, per HHS. The new guidelines claim any amount of physical activity can have immediate health benefits, including "including reduced anxiety and blood pressure, improved quality of sleep, and improved insulin sensitivity."