A recent study by the World Health Organization reveals that one third of adults worldwide are not physically active enough.
Our physical and mental health is at risk! And this is because of our zeal. According to the latest figures shared by the WHO in a new study, published in the journal Lancet Global Health, a too high increase of about 1.8 billion adults in the world, or nearly a third (31%), do not practice enough physical activity. A problematic posture that can expose them to chronic diseases, yet avoidable.
Research findings inform that physical inactivity among adults increased by around 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022. If the trend continues, inactivity levels are expected to increase further to reach 35% in 2030, warns the press release accompanying the study. “We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including strengthening policies and increasing funding, to reverse this worrying trend,” responded the Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO.
The highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the Asia-Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%), with sedentary rates in other regions ranging from 28% in Western countries to 14% in Oceania. Looking at gender, physical inactivity is more common among women at 34%, compared to men at 29%. “These new data highlight a missed opportunity to reduce cancer, heart disease and improve mental well-being through increased physical activity,” the director warned again.
