In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining an active lifestyle is increasingly challenging, yet vital for preventing chronic diseases and enhancing overall well-being. The latest data reveals a growing concern: a significant portion of the global adult population is not engaging in sufficient physical activity, putting them at greater risk for serious health issues. This trend underscores the urgent need for collective action to promote more active lifestyles and ensure better health outcomes for all.
New data shows that nearly one-third of adults globally, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. This marks an increase of about 5 percentage points since 2010. If this trend continues, inactivity levels are projected to rise to 35% by 2030, deviating from the global target to reduce physical inactivity by that year.
Health experts recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity each week. Falling short of these guidelines increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers. The highest rates of inactivity were observed in high-income Asia Pacific and South Asia regions, while other areas showed varied levels of inactivity.
Significant disparities exist between genders and age groups, with women generally being less active than men, and older adults being the least active. Physical inactivity remains a major contributor to the global burden of chronic diseases. Addressing this issue requires innovative solutions that consider age, environment, and cultural background, making physical activity more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Despite these concerning trends, some countries have made progress. Nearly half of the world’s nations have seen improvements in physical activity levels over the past decade, and 22 countries are on track to meet the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030.
Governments and communities are urged to strengthen policies that promote physical activity through grassroots and community sports, active recreation, and transport options like walking and cycling. Promoting physical activity requires a comprehensive approach, creating environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be active.
The WPA supports these findings and calls for immediate action. Promoting physical activity is crucial for preventing chronic diseases, improving mental health, and enhancing overall well-being. By addressing this silent threat to global health, we can work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthier, more active life.
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