WHO Report: 1.8 Billion Adults at Risk Due to Lack of Physical Activity

A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that nearly 1.8 billion adults worldwide are at risk of diseases because they are not getting enough physical activity. This alarming statistic represents about one-third (31 percent) of the global adult population who did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022.

The data shows a troubling increase in physical inactivity among adults, rising by five percentage points from 2010 to 2022. If this trend continues, it is expected that by 2030, 35 percent of adults will be inactive, putting the world off course from achieving the global goal to reduce physical inactivity by that year.

WHO advises that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Not meeting these guidelines increases the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers like breast and colon cancer.

The study, conducted by WHO researchers and academic partners, was published in The Lancet Global Health journal. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the missed opportunity to lower cancer and heart disease rates and improve mental health through more physical activity. He called for renewed efforts to boost physical activity levels, including stronger policies and more funding.

The highest inactivity rates were found in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48 percent) and South Asia (45 percent). In contrast, inactivity rates in other regions ranged from 28 percent in high-income Western countries to 14 percent in Oceania.

There are also significant disparities in physical activity levels based on gender and age. Globally, women are less active than men, with inactivity rates of 34 percent compared to 29 percent. In some countries, this gap is as wide as 20 percentage points. Additionally, older adults, particularly those over 60, are less active than younger adults, highlighting the need to promote physical activity among seniors.

Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, described physical inactivity as a “silent threat” to global health, contributing to the burden of chronic diseases. He stressed the need for innovative ways to encourage people to be more active, taking into account factors like age, environment, and cultural background. Making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable can significantly reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and create a healthier, more productive population.

Despite the concerning findings, there are signs of progress in some countries. Nearly half of the world’s countries have shown improvements over the past decade, and 22 countries are on track to meet the global target of reducing inactivity by 15 percent by 2030 if current trends continue.

In response to these findings, WHO is urging countries to enhance their policies to promote physical activity through community sports, active recreation, and active transportation like walking, cycling, and using public transport. Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity, emphasized that promoting physical activity requires a societal approach, creating environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be active in enjoyable ways.

To reach the least active populations and reduce inequalities in access to physical activity, collective efforts involving government and nongovernmental stakeholders and increased investments in innovative approaches are essential.