Geneva, 5 July 2024 — In a stark warning from the World Health Organization (WHO), new data reveals that nearly a third of adults worldwide, or around 1.8 billion people, did not achieve recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. This alarming statistic marks a significant increase in physical inactivity, from 26% in 2010 to 31% in 2022, highlighting a deepening global health crisis.
The study, conducted in collaboration with university researchers and published in The Lancet Global Health, highlights the widespread prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle and its dire consequences. WHO recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Insufficient physical activity is linked to a higher risk of serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease (such as heart attack and stroke), type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancers such as breast and colon cancer.
“If this trend is not curbed, physical inactivity could reach 35% by 2030, further derailing global health goals,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We urgently need to renew our commitment to promoting physical activity, prioritizing strong policies and increasing financing to reverse this worrying trend.”
Regional disparities and vulnerable groups
The report highlights significant regional disparities in physical activity levels. The highest inactivity rates were recorded in the high-income regions of Asia-Pacific (48%) and South Asia (45%), with other regions ranging from 28% in high-income Western countries to just 14% in Oceania. In addition, the data reveal notable gender and age disparities: 34% of women are inactive compared to 29% of men, with some countries having a gender gap of up to 20 percentage points. In addition, people over the age of 60 are significantly less active than younger adults, highlighting the need for targeted interventions for 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. “To address this problem, we need to innovate in motivating people to become more active, taking into account factors such as age, environment and cultural background. By making physical activity accessible, affordable and enjoyable, we can significantly reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and foster a healthier and more productive population.”
Signs of hope and the way forward
While the overall picture is worrying, there are glimmers of progress. Nearly half of the countries analyzed showed improvements in physical activity levels over the past decade. Moreover, 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 is urging countries to step up efforts to implement policies to encourage and facilitate physical activity. Suggested measures include promoting grassroots and community sports, active leisure activities, and transport options such as walking, cycling and using public transport.
“Promoting physical activity transcends individual lifestyle choices; it requires a whole-of-society approach,” said Dr Fiona Bull, head of the WHO Physical Activity Unit. “Creating environments that make physical activity easier and safer will help ensure that everyone can enjoy its many health benefits.”
To address this growing crisis, collective efforts by governments, non-governmental organizations and community actors are essential. Increased investments in innovative strategies are needed to reach the least active individuals and reduce inequalities of access.
WHO’s urgent call to action aims to reverse the rising tide of physical inactivity by fostering a global environment that is conducive to active and healthy living. Achieving this requires a concerted effort that encompasses policy reform, community engagement and individual commitment to adopting a more active lifestyle for the benefit of global public health.
Originally published in The European Times.
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