A study published has found that nearly a third of adults worldwide—approximately 1.8 billion people—were insufficiently physically active in 2022. This represents an increase from 23.4% (900 million) in 2000. The study analyzed data from 507 population-based surveys that included 5.7 million participants across 163 countries.

The research, conducted by a team from the University of Edinburgh, the University of Oxford, and the World Health Organization (WHO) and published in The Lancet Global Health, discovered that around half of the countries and two-thirds of the regions included in the study had increasing trends in insufficient physical activity prevalence. This trend runs counter to the WHO's global target of reducing insufficient physical activity by 15% by 2030 relative to 2010 levels.

The study also identified differences in insufficient physical activity levels based on sex and age. Women were more likely to be insufficiently active compared to men, with variations across regions and countries. The prevalence of insufficient activity increased sharply among adults aged 60 years and older, but differences were noted in the age patterns for adults younger than 60 years, varying by geography and sex.

Due to limited data collection during strict lockdown periods, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity levels could not be conclusively determined. The researchers stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring as more post-pandemic data becomes available.

The authors of the study emphasized the need for increased investment and strengthened multisector approaches to promote physical activity at national and local levels and across sexes and age groups. They highlight the importance of implementing effective policies—such as those described in the WHO's Global Action Plan for Physical Activity 2018–2030—more widely and consistently.

Declaration of interests can be found in the study.