1.8bn adults risk heart attacks, diabetes for not exercising – Study

New findings showed that nearly 1.8 billion people did not meet the recommended physical activity levels in 2022.

The study was undertaken by researchers from the World Health Organisation and academic colleagues and published in The Lancet Global Health journal.

The findings released on Wednesday point to a worrying trend of physical inactivity among adults, which has increased by about five per cent between 2010 and 2022.

The researchers warn that if the trend continues, levels of inactivity are projected to further rise to 35 per cent by 2030, and the world is currently off track from meeting the global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030.

WHO recommends that adults have 150 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or equivalent, per week, as physical inactivity puts adults at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia and cancers such as breast and colon.

“These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease and to improve mental well-being through increased physical activity.

“We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus.