I read with great pleasure the article “Physical activity and health for teachers. A review” by Yury Rosales-Ricardo,1 in which the author performs a documentary and literature review of scientific articles published from 1999 to February 2016 in order to update the international knowledge on physical activity and health in the teaching profession. This review is the motivation behind this letter, in which I seek to give a view of the current situation of teachers and lecturers in Peru and the constraints that a lack of physical activity place on this social sector.

According to the WHO,2 an appropriate level of regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other conditions; it also improves mental, bone and functional health and is essential for weight control. However, these benefits3 are overlooked by the over 40% of Peruvian teachers who carry excess weight and, still more alarmingly, the 30% who are obese (Table 1). This situation has come about because teachers do not take sufficient physical exercise5 (Table 2).

Although we have a law that promotes physical activity in educational establishments4 it is vitally important to reinforce the promotion of lifestyles that include a healthy diet and increased physical activity. This will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, and improve the quality of life of teachers and lecturers with their busy routines.3