Which of the following is a health benefit associated with regular participation in physical activity?

Regular participation in physical activity is strongly associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease. Engaging in consistent exercise helps improve cardiovascular health by strengthening the heart muscle, improving circulation, and maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These factors contribute to a reduced risk of developing heart disease, which is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the established health benefits of regular exercise. For example, while physical activity is crucial for overall health, it is not linked to a lower risk of Type 1 diabetes, which is primarily an autoimmune condition rather than one influenced by lifestyle factors. Increased weight gain and the risk of osteoporosis are also inappropriate associations; regular physical activity generally helps with weight management and can actually improve bone density, thus reducing osteoporosis risk. Therefore, the connection between physical activity and a lower risk of coronary heart disease is well-documented and widely accepted in health and fitness literature.