Nearly one third (31%) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022, indicating a worrying trend of physical inactivity among adults, says a new data by WHO.
The findings, published in The Lancet Global Health journal, say that this trend has increased by about 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022.
If this trend continues, levels of inactivity are projected to further rise to 35% by 2030, putting the world off track from meeting the global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination, per week. Physical inactivity puts adults at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancers such as breast and colon cancer.
HEALTH RISKS OF PHYSICAL INACTIVITY
“These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease, and to improve mental well-being through increased physical activity,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “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.”
Physical inactivity is a significant threat to global health, contributing to the burden of chronic diseases. It is associated with increased risks of various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers.
REGIONAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC DISPARITIES
The study revealed that the highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%). In contrast, levels of inactivity ranged from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania.
Disparities in physical inactivity remain between gender and age. Globally, physical inactivity is more common among women compared with men, with inactivity rates of 34% versus 29%. In some countries, this difference is as much as 20 percentage points. Additionally, people over 60 are less active than younger adults, highlighting the need to promote physical activity among older populations.
“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic diseases,” said Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO. “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.”
SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT AND CALL TO ACTION
Despite the alarming trends, there are some signs of improvement. The study showed that nearly half of the world’s countries have made some progress over the past decade, and 22 countries are on track to reach the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030 if current trends continue.
In light of these findings, WHO is calling on countries to strengthen their policy implementation to promote and enable physical activity. Measures include grassroots and community sports, active recreation, and active transport (walking, cycling, and use of public transport).
“Promoting physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choices – it requires 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,” said Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity.
Collective efforts based on partnerships between government and non-governmental stakeholders and increased investments in innovative approaches are needed to reach the least active people and reduce inequalities in access to measures promoting and improving physical activity.
The WHO report underscores the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to promote physical activity and reduce physical inactivity’s health risks. By taking bold actions and implementing effective policies, we can work towards a healthier, more active global population and reduce the burden of chronic diseases.
