The Global Inactivity Crisis: A Call to Action for Healthier Lives
~~ Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician
Physical inactivity is a global health crisis, costing billions and contributing significantly to preventable deaths and diseases. While regular physical activity offers substantial benefits for physical and mental well-being across all ages, a staggering 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents worldwide fail to meet recommended activity levels. This inaction leads to increased risks of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, along with mental health challenges. Addressing this requires a multi-sectoral approach, including policy changes, community initiatives, and increased investment in promoting physical activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the charge, providing guidelines, support, and monitoring to help countries achieve a 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2030.
The Urgent Need for Movement:
The WHO defines physical activity as any bodily movement using skeletal muscles that expends energy. This encompasses leisure activities, transportation, work, and household chores. Both moderate and vigorous activity improve health, encompassing options like walking, cycling, sports, and recreational play. Conversely, physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for mortality, increasing the risk of death by 20-30%. Sedentary behavior, characterized by prolonged sitting or reclining, exacerbates these risks, contributing to increased adiposity, poor cardiometabolic health, and mental health issues across all age groups. In pregnant women, inactivity increases risks of complications.
Recommended Activity Levels and Current Realities:
WHO guidelines provide detailed recommendations for physical activity across all age groups, emphasizing that any activity is beneficial. However, global data reveals a stark reality: nearly 1.8 billion adults (31%) are insufficiently active, a figure projected to rise to 35% by 2030. Among adolescents, inactivity rates are even higher, reaching 81%. These figures highlight significant gender disparities, with women consistently less active than men.
The Cost of Inaction and a Path Forward:
The projected cost of physical inactivity to healthcare systems between 2020 and 2030 is a staggering US$300 billion. This underscores the urgent need for action. The WHO's Global Action Plan on Physical Activity provides policy recommendations to increase access to opportunities for physical activity in various settings (schools, workplaces, communities) through multi-sectoral collaboration. This includes promoting active transportation (walking, cycling), creating accessible public spaces, and engaging various stakeholders. The WHO actively supports countries through guidelines, policy development assistance, capacity building, and global monitoring efforts to achieve the 15% reduction target by 2030.
However, addressing the global inactivity crisis demands immediate and sustained action. A collective effort involving governments, organizations, and individuals is crucial to promote physical activity and create environments that encourage healthier lifestyles. The economic and health benefits of such a commitment are undeniable, paving the way for healthier populations and more sustainable healthcare systems.
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