PARIS: The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development said on Friday that many people living in the European Union do not exercise enough, which leads to more than 10,000 premature deaths annually.
More than a third of the European Union population does not reach the WHO-recommended 150 minutes of moderate to intense exercise each week, the Paris-based organization said, based on a study.
The organization stated that if lazy people heed the advice of the World Health Organization, not only will 10,000 premature deaths be prevented, but the average life expectancy of European Union citizens will be increased by two months.
The agency said regular movement is one of the most important things a person can do for their mind and body. She explained that exercise can prevent diabetes, some cancers, and other diseases.
The study found that 3.5 million cases of depression and 3.8 million cases of cardiovascular disease could be prevented by 2050 if people walked for 150 minutes a week.
The study also found that only 40% of people exercise regularly, with significant variation between countries. And while two-thirds of adults in Finland exercise regularly, it drops to one in five in other countries.
Women exercise less than men, and this is particularly evident in younger age groups. About 73% of men between the ages of 15 and 24 exercise at least once a week, compared to 58% of women.
The study found that financial income is another factor, and among those who described themselves as working class, only 24% said they exercise regularly, while 51% of the higher-income groups said they exercise regularly.