Almost 1.8 billion adults are at risk of diseases such as cancer, stroke, dementia and diabetes due to a lack of exercise – and the situation is getting worse, according to a report. A new study from World Health Organisation (WHO) researchers plus academics found physical inactivity globally has risen by about five percentage points between 2010 and 2022.
Overall, nearly a third of adults (31%) around the world do not exercise enough, up from 23% (900 million people) in 2000 and 26% in 2010. If current trends continue, experts predict that by 2030, some 35% of people will not be doing enough exercise. Research shows that a lack of exercise increases the risk of heart disease, strokes, Type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancers, such as breast and bowel.
When it comes to gender differences, it seems women are consistently less likely to exercise than men, with inactivity rates of 34% compared to 29%. The new study, published in The Lancet Global Health journal, warned the world is currently off track from meeting a global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO's director-general, said, "These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease and improve mental well-being through increased physical activity.
"We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.” WHO recommends that.
