WHO warns of 'silent threat' putting 1.8 billion people at risk of deadly diseases

The World Health Organization has warned that one in three people does little exercise, which puts their health at risk.

Laziness puts about 1.8 billion adults around the world at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, cancer and dementia.

The World Health Organization says you  should get at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise every week, just 22 minutes a day, but 31% of people fail to do this.

Dr Rüdiger Kresch, Director of Health Promotion at the World Health Organization, explains: “Physical inactivity represents a silent threat to health. It contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases. We need to find new ways to motivate people to be more active. By making physical activity Accessible, affordable and fun for everyone, we can dramatically reduce the risk of disease and create a healthier, more productive society.”

The WHO report said inactivity levels rose by 5% between 2010 and 2022, a worrying trend.

If it continues to rise, inactivity levels are expected to reach 35% by 2030, and the world is currently far from achieving the global goal of reducing physical inactivity by 2030.

Physical inactivity puts adults at greater risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and cancers such as breast and colon.

“These new findings highlight the missed opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease, and improve mental health, through increased physical activity,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “We must renew our commitment to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including stronger policies and increased financing, to reverse this alarming trend.”

According to data obtained by the World Health Organization study, the highest rates of physical inactivity were observed in the high-income Asia-Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%), and levels of inactivity in other regions ranged from 28% in high-income Western countries to 14%. % in Oceania.

The WHO report notes that what is worrying about the findings is that gender and age disparities persist. Physical inactivity remains more common among women worldwide than men, with inactivity rates at 34% versus 29%. In addition, people over 60 are less active than other adults, underscoring the importance of promoting physical activity for older adults.

Based on these findings, WHO calls on countries around the world to improve the implementation of their policies to promote physical activity.