A sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are one of the main risk factors for mortality due to their relationship with non-communicable diseases. The physical activity improves quality of life and prevents the onset of diseases in children, adolescents and adults.
A report published by the World Health Organization (WHO)), warns that, from 2020 to 20230, almost 500 million people will develop diseases due to physical inactivity. Worldwide, 1 in 4 adults and 3 in 4 adolescents do not currently follow the global recommendations set by the WHO for physical activity. The main objective of this Global Physical Activity Action Plan 2018-2030 is a 15% reduction in global prevalence of physical inactivity in adolescents and adults by 2030. Tedros Adhanom, director general of the WHO, stresses that all countries must implement policies to encourage physical activity. “All countries must implement policies to help people be more active through walking, cycling and sports. The benefits are enormous, not only for physical and mental health, but also for societies, environments and economies,” says the WHO director general.

Provide more physical activity programs in settings

This document establishes 20 recommendations that aim to create more active societies by improving environments to encourage physical exercise in people of all ages. There are some countries that are carrying out public policy measures to increase physical activity that was promoted in 2018, but the WHO makes it clear that much remains to be done to achieve the established goal. “Regular physical activity promotes physical and mental health. Nevertheless, currently 81% of adolescents and 27.5% of adults do not reach the recommended levels”, states the report. Staying active is crucial for health and a great challenge for international leaders. Additionally, the pandemic has expanded sedentary lifestyles and opportunities to engage in physical activity. We must bear in mind that physical activity prevents and treats non-communicable diseases, the reason for the death of 15 million people each year.