Wake-up Call: One-Third of Adults Inactive

A significant study released on Wednesday reveals that nearly one-third of adults worldwide are not getting enough physical activity, posing a rising health risk globally.

According to research by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other experts, over 31% of adults – approximately 1.8 billion people – failed to meet the recommended physical exercise levels in 2022.

This marks a five percentage point increase since 2010.

"Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic diseases," stated Ruediger Krech, director of the WHO's health promotion department, during an online press conference.

"Unfortunately, the world is not moving in the right direction."

To maintain good health, the WHO advises that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, such as walking, cycling, or household chores.

Alternatively, they can opt for at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, like running or participating in sports. Combining both types of activities is also beneficial.

Failing to meet these exercise guidelines increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and mental health issues, according to Krech.

If current trends persist, the study published in The Lancet Global Health projects that adult inactivity levels will rise to 35% by 2030.

This projection falls significantly short of the WHO's goal to reduce physical inactivity by 15% by the end of the decade.

Fiona Bull, head of the WHO's physical activity unit, described the research as "a wake-up call that we're not doing enough."

She also highlighted a gender disparity, noting that almost 34% of women globally do not meet the activity threshold, compared to 29% of men.

There are numerous reasons for the overall decline in activity rates, including reduced walking, increased computer work, and more leisure time spent in front of screens, Bull explained.

During a period filled with global sports events, such as the Olympics and the European and Copa America football championships, Krech reminded the public that "watching sports does not equal being physically active."

He urged people to "get up and be active – every step counts."

The WHO stressed that changing individual behavior alone is insufficient.

They called on countries to promote physical activity through community sports initiatives and by encouraging walking, cycling, and using public transportation.

This comprehensive study, touted as the most extensive examination of the subject to date, involved an international team of researchers who reviewed over 500 studies encompassing 5.7 million people across 163 countries and territories.

Despite the concerning trends, there were some positive findings. Nearly half of the countries studied had made progress over the past decade, with 22 nations on track to meet the 2030 target if they continue in the right direction.

Source: gulfnews

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