Physical activity and health profiles of United States women.

Now that there is significant evidence to support the role of physical activity in the prevention of several chronic diseases and conditions, it is very important to encourage women to be active and to study the gender-specific benefits and risks of physical activity. The Year 2000 Objectives and the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations provide direction for clinical and public health efforts in the area of physical activity promotion. Evaluation of potential barriers for women to becoming more physically active is necessary to facilitate the design of physical activity promotion strategies and interventions. The medical and public health communities should collectively seek greater resources for additional research to better clarify the health benefits and risks of physical activity for women.