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Screengrab via GEN-PEP/YouTube

Stephen Hawking gives ‘pep talk’ on physical inactivity and obesity

The theoretical physicist has a point.

 

Samantha Grasso

Internet Culture

Posted on Nov 29, 2016   Updated on May 25, 2021, 12:01 pm CDT

Stephen Hawking has a new warning for humanity, and this time it has nothing to do with outer space.

In the minute-long spot for GEN-PEP, a Swedish health non-profit, Hawking tackles one of humanity’s major challenges: obesity and physical inactivity.

“Today, too many people die from complications related to overweight and obesity,” Hawking says. “We eat too much and move too little.”

Fortunately, Hawking says the solutions for a healthier lifestyle aren’t as difficult as rocket science. 

According to GEN-PEP, children need one hour of physical activity each day, while adults require 30 minutes. Their website makes it clear : “Our lifestyle is literally killing us and it’s time to start taking this problem seriously.”

“And for what it’s worth,” Hawking concludes, “how being sedentary has become a major health problem is beyond my understanding.”

Watch the full ad below: 

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*First Published: Nov 29, 2016, 1:54 pm CST