Inactivity Puts 1.8 Billion Adults at Risk of Heart Attacks, Diabetes – Study
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health journal has sounded the alarm on the dangers of physical inactivity, revealing that nearly a quarter of the global adult population (1.8 billion) are at risk of heart attacks, diabetes, and other serious health conditions due to lack of exercise.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, but the study found that nearly 25% of adults failed to meet this threshold in 2022, with physical inactivity increasing by 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022.
Read Also:
If this trend continues, the WHO warns that physical inactivity will rise to 35% by 2030, putting more adults at risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and certain types of cancer.
The study highlights significant regional and gender disparities, with the highest rates of physical inactivity observed in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%), and women being more inactive than men globally (34% vs 29%).
The WHO is calling on countries to prioritize physical activity promotion, increase funding, and implement policies to make exercise accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all. Innovative approaches and partnerships between governments and non-governmental stakeholders are necessary to reduce inequalities and reach the least active populations.
By making physical activity a global health priority, we can significantly reduce the burden of chronic diseases and create a healthier, more productive population.
