Which of the following is a long-term benefit of regular physical activity?

Regular physical activity offers a multitude of long-term benefits, one of which is the reduced risk of chronic diseases. Engaging in consistent exercise plays a significant role in managing and preventing various health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Physical activity helps to strengthen the heart, improve circulation, regulate blood sugar levels, and maintain healthy weight, all of which contribute to a lower risk of developing these chronic conditions.

The other options, while beneficial in their own right, do not represent the overarching long-term health benefits of regular physical activity in the same way. For instance, enhanced sports competition readiness is more related to specific training for athletic performance rather than the broad health benefits. Similarly, improved academic performance may be a result of physical activity, but it is not primarily a health-related outcome. Increased stress levels, on the contrary, is an undesired effect and not a benefit. Therefore, focusing on how regular physical activity can actively reduce the risk of chronic diseases showcases one of its most crucial long-term advantages.