Recent data reveals a startling reality as nearly one-third of adults worldwide, amounting to approximately 1.8 billion individuals, failed to meet recommended physical activity levels in 2022. The findings underscore a troubling surge in physical inactivity among adults, marking a 5% increase between 2010 and 2022.

Projections indicate that if the current trajectory persists, inactivity levels are poised to climb to 35% by 2030, putting the world off course from achieving the global target of reducing physical inactivity by the same year.

The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for adults to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week to mitigate risks of cardiovascular ailments, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and various cancers.

Conducted by WHO researchers and academic partners, the study featured in The Lancet Global Health sheds light on missed opportunities to combat diseases like cancer and heart conditions by fostering increased physical activity.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasizes the urgent need to intensify efforts, including fortified policies and enhanced funding, to reverse this alarming pattern.

High-income Asians & Pacifica

Most significant was the revelation of elevated physical inactivity rates in high-income Asia Pacific regions (48%) and South Asia (45%), while levels varied from 28% in affluent Western nations to 14% in Oceania.

Gender and age disparities persisted, with global women exhibiting higher rates of inactivity compared to men (34% versus 29%), underscoring the need for tailored strategies, particularly for individuals over 60.

Dr Rüdiger Krech, WHO’s Health Promotion Director, warns that physical inactivity poses a concealed menace to global health, demanding inventive approaches to motivate individuals across age groups and diverse backgrounds toward active lifestyles.

Dr Fiona Bull of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity stresses the need for societal collaboration and supportive environments that ease and secure physical activity engagement for all.

While some nations have shown incremental progress, WHO urges nations to bolster policy implementation, advocating for grassroots initiatives, community sports, active recreational programs, and accessible transportation modes to promote physical activity universally.

Joint endeavours between governmental and non-governmental entities, along with innovative investments, are pivotal in targeting the least active populations and bridging disparities in access to physical activity enhancement measures.