Physical Inactivity on the Rise: A Global Health Concern


June 26, 2024 Tags:

A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on rising levels of physical inactivity worldwide, describing it as a "silent threat" that demands urgent attention.

The study, published in The Lancet Global Health journal, revealed that more than a third of adults globally—approximately 1.8 billion people—did not meet the WHO's recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. This marks a troubling increase from previous years, with the percentage of inactive adults rising by nearly four points since 2016.

In Canada, the situation mirrors global trends, with 37.2% of adults reported as physically inactive in 2022—an increase from 31.1% in 2010 and 25.6% in 2000. If current trends persist, the WHO estimates that by 2030, Canada could see physical inactivity levels climb to 41.4%.

Ruediger Krech, WHO's director of health promotion, emphasized the critical health implications of physical inactivity, linking it significantly to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, cancers, diabetes, and respiratory diseases.

The report analyzed data from 197 countries and territories between 2000 and 2022, highlighting a concerning trend where approximately half of the countries—including Canada—are witnessing an uptick in physical inactivity rates. Fiona Bull, head of WHO's physical activity unit, underscored that while some countries have made progress, the global trajectory remains off-course from meeting the WHO's target of reducing physical inactivity levels by 15% by 2023.

Scott Lear, a health sciences professor at Simon Fraser University, expressed distress over Canada's data, suggesting that actual physical inactivity rates could be higher due to people overestimating their activity levels during self-reporting.

Several factors contribute to the global increase in physical inactivity. Changing transportation patterns have reduced walking and cycling, while sedentary work environments, driven by increased technology use, have become more prevalent. Leisure activities have also shifted towards screen-based and sedentary options, exacerbating the problem.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further impacted physical activity levels, with restrictions limiting movement and increasing reliance on sedentary activities. Affordability is another barrier, as costs associated with gyms, sports clubs, and organized activities continue to rise.

To combat rising physical inactivity, experts advocate for accessible, affordable, and enjoyable physical activity options for all. Krech emphasized the importance of policy initiatives to promote community sports, active recreation, and walking or cycling as modes of transport. Bull highlighted the necessity for public spaces that facilitate physical activity in daily life.

While the WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, Lear encouraged starting with small steps like short bursts of exercise throughout the day. Activities such as gardening or household chores can contribute to meeting these guidelines.

In conclusion, addressing physical inactivity is crucial to reducing the global burden of noncommunicable diseases and improving overall health. The WHO's call for concerted efforts to enable and promote physical activity underscores the need for immediate action to reverse current trends.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Alberta Health Issues Measles Alert for Southern Region, Including Calgary

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has released a public health notice following a recent spike in confirmed measles cases in southern....

U.S. Pushes to Remove Artificial Dyes from Foods by 2026

In a move aimed at improving children’s health, U.S. health officials announced plans to eliminate artificial food dyes from the....

Pandemic Delays in Cancer Screenings Show Minimal Long-Term Impact, Study finds

A new report reveals that delays in cancer screenings during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic may not have....

‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ Reimagined, Viral Trend Turned into Mental Health Movement

The iconic Ice Bucket Challenge is back — but this time, with a powerful new purpose. Students at the University....

Wyoming Abortion Bans Head to State Supreme Court for Review

Wyoming’s abortion laws are once again under legal scrutiny. On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court will hear arguments over controversial....

Measles Outbreak Grows Amid Confusion Over Vaccine Messaging

The United States is grappling with a major measles outbreak, but experts say poor communication and mixed messaging about vaccines....

Toronto's UHN Launches Strategic Global Recruitment For Top Medical Scientists Amid U.S. Cuts Jobs

Toronto’s University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s leading research hospital, has unveiled an ambitious global recruitment strategy aimed at positioning the....

Shingles Vaccine May Lower Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence linking the shingles vaccine to a reduced risk of dementia. A large-scale study conducted in....

Fungal Infections becoming Resistant to Treatment, WHO Issues Urgent Warning

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over drug-resistant fungal infections, warning that some treatments are no longer effective.....

Kennedy’s HHS Overhaul Puts Addiction Treatment At Risk

A major shakeup in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could lead to the weakening—or even elimination—of....

Deadly Fungal Superbug Candida Auris Spreads Rapidly in Hospitals

A dangerous fungal superbug, Candida auris (C. auris), is rapidly spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, raising serious public health....

Researchers in Limbo as Columbia Caves to Trump’s Demands for $400M

Columbia University is facing intense scrutiny after agreeing to strict policy changes to regain $400 million in federal funding revoked....