1.8 Billion Adults at Risk from Lack of Physical Activity
A press release from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that nearly one-third (31%) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not achieve the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. This represents a concerning trend, as physical inactivity among adults has risen by about 5 percentage points since 2010. If this trend continues, inactivity levels are expected to reach 35% by 2030, putting the global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030 at risk.
The WHO advises that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Lack of physical activity increases the risk of various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes), type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers such as breast and colon cancer.
This study, conducted by WHO researchers and academic partners, was published in The Lancet Global Health journal.
“These findings highlight a missed chance to reduce cancer and heart disease and improve mental health and well-being through increased physical activity,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We must renew our commitment to increasing physical activity levels and prioritize bold actions, including stronger policies and increased funding, to reverse this trend.”
The highest rates of inactivity were found in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%). Other regions showed inactivity rates ranging from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania.
Notably, there are significant disparities in physical activity based on gender and age. Globally, inactivity is more common among women (34%) compared to men (29%), with some countries showing a gap as large as 20 percentage points. Additionally, people over 60 are generally less active, highlighting the need to promote physical activity among older adults.
“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to chronic diseases,” said Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO. “We need innovative ways to encourage people to be more active, considering factors like age, environment, and culture. By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable, we can reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and create a healthier, more productive population.”
Despite these concerns, there are positive signs in some countries. The study showed that almost half of the world’s countries have made improvements in the past decade, and 22 countries are on track to meet the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030 if current trends continue.
In response to these findings, WHO urges countries to strengthen policies promoting physical activity through community sports, active recreation, and transport (walking, cycling, and public transport).
“Promoting physical activity requires a whole-of-society approach and the creation of environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be more active,” said Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity. “Collective efforts and partnerships between governments and nongovernmental stakeholders, along with increased investment in innovative approaches, are needed to reach the least active populations and reduce inequalities in access to physical activity measures.”