According to a study by the World Health Organization, 1.8 billion adults worldwide do not get enough physical activity. So many individuals are exposed to numerous chronic diseases, which are nevertheless preventable.
It is a silent and sneaky epidemic. According to a study by scientists from the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.8 billion people worldwide do not achieve the recommended level of physical activity. With 5 points more than in 2010, 31% of adults do not perform the 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of intense activity per week, according to this work published in the journal The Lancet global health. And yet, these thresholds are minimums. The increase in physical inactivity was observed in about half of the countries surveyed and two-thirds of the WHO regions.
Inequalities by age and sex
In total, physical activity in 197 countries, from 2020 to 2022, was scrutinized. Researchers relied on physical activity reported by adults (18 years and over) in population surveys. The highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the high-income Asia-Pacific region (48%), and in South Asia (45%). The lowest rates were observed at 28% in Western countries and 14% in Oceania.
Physical inactivity is higher among people aged over 60 and among women (34% compared to 29% among men). In some countries, the difference between women and men even reaches 20%.
Reduce the risk of preventable diseases
“This new data highlights a missed opportunity to reduce cancer, heart disease and improve mental well-being through increased physical activity,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold actions, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.”
According to WHO projections, the rate of physical inactivity should, if the upward trend continues, reach 35% in 2030. Quite the opposite of the objective which is to reduce physical inactivity by 15%. by 2030 (compared to 2010 figures)! This would contribute to type 2 diabetes, dementia and certain cancers (breast and colon).
Good point for the European Union
Despite these grim results, signs of improvement are visible: almost half of the world’s countries have made progress and 22 countries are expected to succeed in reaching the targets set by the WHO. The 27 countries of the European Union are particularly good students in this area.
WHO calls on countries to find innovative solutions to promote physical activity, through the promotion of soft mobility, team sports, leisure… “We need to find innovative ways to motivate people to be more active, taking into account factors such as age, environment and cultural background. By making physical activity accessible, affordable and enjoyable for all , we can significantly reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and create a healthier and more productive population,” underlined Dr Rudiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO.
