New data by the World Health Organisation (WHO) reveals nearly one in three adults across the world do not meet recommended levels of physical activity.
An estimated 1.8 billion people globally are insufficiently active. This represents a 5 percentage point rise over the last decade and continues a worrying upward trend.
If unchanged, projections suggest physical inactivity will increase further to affect 35 percent of adults by 2030.
Millions lack physical activity, at health risk says WHO
The WHO warns this falls short of global targets to reduce inactivity by then.
It recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
Insufficient physical activity elevates the dangers of various diseases like heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and certain cancers.
The research was undertaken jointly by WHO and academics, published in The Lancet Global Health.
“These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease, and to improve mental well-being through increased physical activity,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said.
“We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritise bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.”
Rates were highest in Asia Pacific and South Asia at 48 percent and 45 percent respectively.
Disparities persist by gender and age too, with women statistically less active than men in some nations by up to 20 percentage points. Adults over 60 also participate less than other groups.
Dr Rüdiger Krech from WHO called inactivity a “silent threat” greatly adding to chronic disease.
“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,” Krech said.
Nearly half of countries improved slightly in the past decade but collective efforts are still required if global targets are to be met to enhance population health and productivity through physical activity.
“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,” Dr Fiona Bull, who leads WHO physical activity efforts said.
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