New Data Reveals Rising Global Physical Inactivity and Associated Health Risks
New data reveals that nearly one-third (31%) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. This marks a concerning trend, as physical inactivity among adults has increased by about 5 percentage points from 2010 to 2022.
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New Data Reveals
If this trend continues, inactivity levels are projected to rise to 35% by 2030, putting the world off track from meeting the global target to reduce physical inactivity by that year. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination, per week. Lack of physical activity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancers like breast and colon cancer.
This study, conducted by WHO researchers in collaboration with academic colleagues, was published in The Lancet Global Health journal.
“These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease, and improve mental health and well-being through increased physical activity,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We must renew our commitment to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.”
The highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%). Inactivity levels in other regions ranged from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania.
Disparities in physical inactivity persist between gender and age. Globally, women are more inactive than men, with inactivity rates of 34% compared to 29%. In some countries, this difference is as much as 20 percentage points. Additionally, people over 60 are less active than younger adults, highlighting the importance of promoting physical activity among older adults.
“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, significantly contributing to the burden of chronic diseases,” said Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO. “We need to find innovative ways to motivate people to be more active, considering factors like age, environment, and cultural background. By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all, we can significantly reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and create a healthier, more productive population.”
Despite these worrying trends, some countries have shown improvement. Almost half of the world’s countries have made progress over the past decade, and 22 countries are on track to meet the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030 if their current trends continue.
In response to these findings, WHO is urging countries to strengthen their policies to promote and enable physical activity through grassroots and community sports, active recreation, and transport (walking, cycling, and using public transport), among other measures.
“Promoting physical activity goes beyond individual lifestyle choices—it requires a whole-of-society approach and creating environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be more active in ways they enjoy,” said Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity.
Collective efforts, partnerships between government and non-governmental stakeholders, and increased investments in innovative approaches are essential to reach the least active people and reduce inequalities in access to measures promoting and improving physical activity.
