The proportion of adults who are physically inactive globally stands at 31 per cent. However, this figure escalates dramatically in certain regions. In India, 49.4 per cent of adults do not meet the recommended activity levels, followed closely by 45.7 per cent in Pakistan. In contrast, Bhutan and Nepal report much lower inactivity rates at 9.9 per cent and 8.2 per cent, respectively. Projections indicate that by 2030, India’s inactivity rate could surge to 59.9 per cent if current trends persist.
The highest rates of physical inactivity are seen in the high-income Asia Pacific region (48 per cent) and South Asia (45 per cent). Other regions show varying levels, from 28 per cent in high-income Western countries to 14 per cent in Oceania. These figures highlight significant regional disparities that need urgent attention.
Experts note a concerning rise in physical inactivity among adults, with a five percentage point increase observed between 2010 and 2022. If this trend continues, inactivity levels could rise to 35 per cent by 2030, steering the world further away from the global target to reduce physical inactivity by then.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Physical activity encompasses all forms of movement, including walking, cycling, sports, active recreation, and household chores.
inputs from https://www.business-standard.com/
