Almost one in three adults does not exercise enough. This is a threat to global health, according to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO). She recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Examples include walking, cycling and swimming. Alternatively, 75 minutes of more intensive exercise such as running or sports competitions are sufficient. A mixture is also conceivable. According to the WHO, more than 31 percent of adults worldwide did not reach the recommended level in 2022. The reasons cited in the study include increasing computer work and fewer journeys on foot.
Higher risk of disease
“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health and contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases,” Rüdiger Krech, WHO director of health promotion, said during an online press conference. Examples of this, he says, are heart disease, diabetes, some forms of cancer and mental health problems.
If current trends continue, the lack of physical activity among adults could reach 35 percent by 2030. However, according to the research team, the extent varies by country: for example, people in the United Arab Emirates exercise significantly less than those in Malawi.
Governments responsible
According to the WHO, changing individual habits is not enough to combat the increasing lack of physical activity. Governments should encourage their populations to be physically active, for example by supporting sports clubs.
For the study, an international research team collected the results of more than 500 studies among 5.7 million people. They live in a total of 163 countries.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
