WHO Report Reveals Alarming Rise in Global Physical Inactivity

New WHO Data Shows Significant Increase in Global Physical Inactivity, Raising Health Concerns

New data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that nearly one third (31%) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. This marks a concerning increase of about 5 percentage points since 2010, signaling a growing trend of physical inactivity among adults.

If this trend continues, the WHO projects that levels of inactivity will rise to 35% by 2030, putting the world off track from meeting the global target to reduce physical inactivity by that year. The WHO recommends adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination, per week. Failure to meet these guidelines increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancers such as breast and colon cancer.

The study, published in The Lancet Global Health journal, was conducted by WHO researchers in collaboration with academic colleagues. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the gravity of the findings: “These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease and improve mental health and well-being through increased physical activity. We must renew our commitment to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritizing 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%), with other regions showing varied levels of inactivity, from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania.

The report also highlights significant disparities in physical activity levels between different genders and age groups. Women globally are less active than men, with inactivity rates at 34% compared to 29% for men. In some countries, this gender gap is as wide as 20 percentage points. Additionally, people over 60 are less active than younger adults, underscoring the need to promote physical activity among older populations.

Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, described physical inactivity as a “silent threat to global health” that contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases. “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 population that is healthier and more productive,” he said.

Despite the alarming statistics, there are signs of progress in some countries. Nearly half of the world’s countries have shown improvements in physical activity levels over the past decade. The study identified 22 countries likely to meet the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030 if current trends continue.

In response to these findings, WHO is urging countries to strengthen policy implementation to promote physical activity. This includes grassroots and community sports, active recreation, and transport measures such as walking, cycling, and public transport use.

Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity, emphasized the need for a collective effort: “Promoting physical activity goes beyond promoting 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.”

The WHO calls for increased investments in innovative approaches and partnerships between governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders to reach the least active populations and reduce inequalities in access to physical activity-promoting measures. The organization’s renewed commitment aims to reverse the trend of physical inactivity and improve global health outcomes.