Global Physical Inactivity on the Rise: New WHO Study Finds 1.8 Billion Adults Inactive

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

In 2022, nearly one third (31%) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, according to new data released by the World Health Organization and published in The Lancet Global Health journal. This marks an alarming increase of about 5 percentage points since 2010.

The WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Failure to meet these guidelines puts adults at a greater risk of several health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers like breast and colon cancer.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the significance of these 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," he said. "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."

If current trends continue, the percentage of inactive adults is projected to rise to 35% by 2030. This trajectory indicates that the world is not on track to meet the global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030.

The highest rates of physical inactivity in 2022 were recorded in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%). Other regions showed varying levels of inactivity, from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14% in Oceania.

The study also highlighted significant disparities in physical activity levels between genders and age groups. Globally, women are more inactive than men, with inactivity rates of 34% compared to 29%. In some countries, this gap is as wide as 20 percentage points. Older adults, particularly those over 60, were found to be less active than their younger counterparts, underscoring the need for targeted efforts 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" and called for innovative solutions to encourage more physical activity. "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."

Despite the overall increase in inactivity, some countries have shown signs of improvement. Nearly 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 current trends continue.

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

"Promoting physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choice - it will require a whole-of-society approach and creating environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be more active in ways they enjoy to reap the many health benefits of regular physical activity," said Dr. Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity.

The WHO emphasizes that collective efforts, including partnerships between government and non-governmental stakeholders and increased investment in innovative approaches, are crucial to reaching the least active populations and reducing inequalities in access to physical activity-promoting measures.

For the fitness business and industry, these findings present both challenges and opportunities. As awareness of the health risks associated with inactivity grows, there is a rising demand for innovative fitness solutions and services. Fitness businesses can capitalize on this trend by offering accessible, affordable, and engaging exercise options tailored to diverse populations, promoting inclusivity and harnessing technology to provide personalized fitness experiences. By advocating for supportive environments and policies, the fitness industry can play a key role in reversing the trend of inactivity and improving global health outcomes.

Elevate Your Expertise: Tune in to Our YouTube Channel for Exclusive Podcasts with fitness and wellness Industry Titans and Game-Changers