In a recent study conducted by a team of researchers, it was found that insufficient physical activity among adults has been on the rise globally from 2000 to 2022. The study, which analyzed data from 507 population-based surveys with a total of 5.7 million participants, aimed to assess the trends in physical inactivity over the past two decades.
Insufficient physical activity is known to increase the risk of various health issues such as non-communicable diseases, poor physical and cognitive function, weight gain, and mental health problems. The researchers defined insufficient physical activity as not meeting the recommended guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or a combination of both per week.
According to the findings, the global age-standardized prevalence of insufficient physical activity was 31.3% in 2022, which marks an increase from 23.4% in 2000 and 26.4% in 2010. The study revealed that the prevalence of insufficient physical activity was on the rise in more than half of the countries and territories analyzed, with a higher prevalence among females compared to males.
Furthermore, the research highlighted that insufficient physical activity has been increasing among individuals aged 60 years and older across all regions and both sexes. However, the age patterns differed for those under 60 years of age. The study also projected that if the current trends continue, the global target of a 15% relative reduction in insufficient physical activity by 2030 is unlikely to be met.
These findings shed light on the importance of promoting physical activity and addressing the barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in regular exercise. Encouraging people of all ages to lead active lifestyles is crucial for overall health and well-being, and efforts to increase physical activity levels should be a priority for public health initiatives worldwide.
