Physical activity is a fundamental aspect of the Mediterranean Diet, so much so that it is included at the base of the new food pyramid proposed by INRAN (National Institute for the Research of Food and Nutrition).
A balanced diet must be backed up with physical activity such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, or going up and down stairs, for at least 30 minutes per day and for at least five days a week. In addition to helping maintain body weight, physical activity helps prevent many illnesses caused by a non-active lifestyle (obesity, hypertension, atherosclerosis).