Here's What Your Political Preference Says About Your Health

Could your political preferences reveal how fit you are?

Recent findings published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reveal that those leaning to the far right or left of the political spectrum are more likely to get at least one hour of exercise per week when compared to counterparts sitting on the fence about their beliefs.

"Busy people at both ends of the political spectrum do not seem to have as much time for idleness," researchers noted, in a news release. "The increased time spent walking and doing vigorous physical activities suggests that they might be out agitating in the field, mobilizing the community, and actively distributing ideas and propaganda."

For the study, they examined data from a 2005 Eurobarometer survey conducted for the European Commission that polled individuals from 32 European countries, asking them to rate their political leanings on a scale of one to 10. It also asked them how often they participated in physical activity and resting patterns. The mean age of the respondents was about 27 years old.

Findings revealed that those on the far right or left were more active throughout their week than politically moderate individuals. Close to 7 percent reported their political affiliation on the extreme left and 7 percent reported being to the far right, while 61 percent reported centrists views.

"Centrists and the politically uncommitted may be at greater risk of non-communicable diseases because of their inertia," the study noted, via The Huffington Post. "The politically uncommitted and centrists could consider adopting a stronger political stance for their health. This may also reduce their sitting time, particularly if they shift their views to the right."

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