A recent study conducted by the World Health Organization and academic researchers, published in The Lancet Global Health journal, highlights the alarming consequences of physical inactivity.
The findings reveal that 1.8 billion adults, nearly a quarter of the global population, fail to meet the recommended physical activity levels, putting them at risk of heart attacks, diabetes, and other serious health conditions.
The study notes a concerning 5% increase in physical inactivity between 2010 and 2022, with projections suggesting this trend will continue, resulting in 35% of adults being inactive by 2030.
This falls short of the global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030. The WHO emphasizes the importance of regular physical activity, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, to mitigate the risks of chronic diseases.
“These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease, and to improve mental well-being through increased physical activity,” stated WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus.
“We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.”
The study revealed significant regional disparities in physical inactivity, with the highest prevalence observed in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%).
Other regions showed varying levels of inactivity, ranging from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania. The data also highlighted gender and age-related differences, with women globally more likely to be physically inactive (34%) compared to men (29%), with some countries exhibiting a significant 20-percentage-point gap.
Furthermore, adults over 60 years old were found to be less active than other age groups, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to promote physical activity among older adults.
“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic diseases,” said Director of Health Promotion at WHO, Dr Rüdiger Krech.
“We need to find innovative ways to motivate people to be more active, considering factors like age, environment, and cultural background. By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all, we can significantly reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and create a population that is healthier and more productive.”
The study revealed that nearly half of the world’s countries have made progress in reducing physical inactivity over the past decade, with 22 countries on track to meet the global target of a 15% reduction by 2030 if they maintain their current pace.
Encouraged by these findings, the World Health Organization is urging countries to intensify their efforts by implementing policies that promote physical activity through community-based initiatives, sports, active transportation, and other measures.
Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity, emphasized the need for sustained action to address this critical public health issue.
“Promoting physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choice – it will require a whole-of-society approach and creating environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be more active in ways they enjoy to reap the many health benefits of regular physical activity,”.
“Collective efforts based on partnerships between government and non-governmental stakeholders and increased investments in innovative approaches will be needed to reach the least active people and to reduce inequalities in access to measures promoting and improving physical activity,” WHO highlighted.
