Why adults’ physical inactivity is a ‘worrying trend’ for WHO

Thirty-one percent of adults globally do not take physical activity seriously, according to a World Health Organisation (WHO) study.

The percentage mark, representing approximately 1.8 billion people, did not reach the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022, according to the survey conducted with academic colleagues and published in The Lancet Global Health magazine.

WHO reported that, this marks an increase of 5 percentage points since 2010, indicating a worrying trend of rising physical inactivity among adults.

Regional and demographic disparities

The highest rates of physical inactivity were found in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%). Inactivity rates in other regions range from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania. Additionally, physical inactivity is more prevalent among women (34%) compared to men (29%), and older adults are less active than younger adults.

This disparity can reach 20 percentage points in certain nations. Furthermore, compared to other individuals, those over 60 are less active, which emphasises how critical it is to encourage physical exercise among older folks.

Future projections and wealth risks

Physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers. For prevention, the WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week to

The team made a projection that physical inactivity levels are projected to rise to 35% by 2030 if the current trend continues.

Call for Action and Policy Implementation

WHO stressed on the need for renewed commitment to increasing physical activity levels through strengthened policies and increased funding. The health organization further added that efforts should focus on making physical activity more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all. “Partnerships between government and nongovernmental stakeholders and innovative approaches are essential to reaching the least active populations and reducing inequalities,” WHO recommended.

Signs of improvement

Despite the overall worrying trend, there are signs of improvement in some countries. Nearly half of the world’s countries have shown progress over the past decade, and 22 countries are on track to meet the target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030.

Expert opinions

The Director-General of WHO Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the results from the research highlight a “lost opportunity” to reduce cancer and heart disease, and improve mental health and well-being through increased physical activity.

Ghebreyesus noted the importance renewing “our commitment to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action”.

Physical inactivity poses a silent threat to world health, as Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, explained, adding significantly to the burden of chronic diseases.

“We need innovative ways to motivate people to be more active, considering factors like age, environment, and cultural background,” he said.