AFP
Almost a third of adults in the world do not move enough for their health
The World Health Organization (WHO) raised an “alarm signal” this Wednesday by publishing a study that reveals that nearly a third of adults in the world, a figure that is increasing, have insufficient physical activity, which threatens their physical and mental health. In 2022, 31.3% of adults – approximately 1.8 billion – did not practice physical activity in accordance with health recommendations, approximately five points more than in 2010, according to this expert estimate, published in “Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health and unfortunately it is not going in the right direction,” said Dr. Ruediger Krech, director of advocacy for the Lancet Global Health, during a press conference. health at the WHO, pointing out a trend “opposite to hopes.” For Dr. Fiona Bull, head of the organization’s physical activity department, these results are “an alarm signal.” If the current trend continues the levels of inactivity should reach 35% in 2030 according to researchers. The global goal of reducing physical inactivity by 15% by 2030 is getting further and further away. To promote good health, the WHO recommends adults at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (walking, swimming, cycling. ..) or 75 minutes of intense activity (running, team sports, etc.), or an equivalent combination of moderate or intense physical activity. Inactivity carries increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, such as breast and colon, as well as mental disorders, recalled Dr. Krech. In addition to its individual impact, lack of physical activity represents “a financial burden on health systems,” said Dr. Leanne Riley, from the department of non-toxic diseases. communicable diseases from the WHO. The almost general increase in sedentary lifestyles around the world hides geographical or sociodemographic disparities. – Get up and move – More than 50% of adults in ten countries (United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Cuba, Lebanon, South Korea , Panama, Qatar, Iraq, Portugal, Saudi Arabia) are also too sedentary. On the contrary, they are less than 10% in 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, in rich Western nations, in Oceania or in South Asia. The lack of Physical activity affects women (33.8%) more on average than men (28.7%). In almost a third of the countries the difference between women and men exceeds 10 percentage points. In Afghanistan, Pakistan, Cuba, Guyana, Iran and the Bahamas, it even reaches at least 20 points. Age also plays a role, with a notable increase in inactivity after age 60. How can we explain the growing lack of physical activity in the planet? “There are multiple causes,” Dr. Bull responded, mentioning more motorized modes of transportation, more sedentary jobs and more screen-focused leisure activities. “Get up and move,” he urged. To change the situation, it is not enough to modify individual behaviors; societies must be changed and environments, especially in cities, more conducive to physical activity (walking, cycling, etc.). ) and less sedentary work, according to experts. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called in a statement to “prioritize bold measures, including strengthened policies and increased funding to reverse this worrying trend.” Globally, researchers point out some signs of improvement, however. Almost half of countries have made progress in the last decade, and 22 countries appear to be on track to achieve the global goal of reducing inactivity by 2030, if their evolution maintains the same rhythm.ic/grd/tes/cm/mab/zm
