In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the deteriorating health of young people, particularly due to physical inactivity.

With the rise of technology and sedentary lifestyles, many young people are not engaging in the recommended levels of physical activity, which can lead to a range of health problems. In this article, we will explore the effects of physical inactivity on the health of young people and what can be done to promote a more active lifestyle.

What is physical inactivity?

Physical inactivity is defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week. This includes activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and playing sports.

Unfortunately, many young people are not meeting these recommendations, with studies showing that only 1 in 5 adolescents are getting enough physical activity.

The effects of physical inactivity on young people

Physical inactivity can have numerous negative effects on the health of young people. Some of these include:.

Obesity: Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and obesity, which puts young people at risk of developing a range of health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
Poor mental health: Exercise has been shown to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Young people who do not engage in regular physical activity may be more susceptible to mental health problems.
Poor bone health: Physical activity is essential for the development of strong bones. Young people who are physically inactive may be at risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.
Increased risk of chronic diseases: Physical inactivity has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.
Poor academic performance: Studies have shown that exercise can improve academic performance by promoting better concentration and memory. Young people who are physically inactive may struggle with academic performance.

The barriers to physical activity for young people

There are many barriers that prevent young people from engaging in regular physical activity. These include:.

Lack of time: Young people are often juggling many activities and may struggle to find time for exercise.
Lack of access to safe places to exercise: Some young people may not have access to safe outdoor spaces to exercise.
Lack of motivation: Some young people may struggle with motivation to exercise, particularly if they do not enjoy the activities they are engaging in.
Pressure to perform academically: Some young people may feel pressure to prioritize their academic performance over exercise.
Chronic health conditions: Some young people may have chronic health conditions that make it difficult for them to engage in physical activity.

What can be done to promote physical activity for young people?

There are many things that can be done to promote physical activity for young people. Some of these include:.

Providing safe, accessible spaces for exercise: Schools and communities can provide safe outdoor spaces for young people to engage in physical activity.
Offering a variety of activities: Providing a range of different activities can help young people find something they enjoy and are more likely to engage in regularly.
Encouraging physical activity during the school day: Schools can incorporate physical activity into the school day by offering physical education classes and encouraging active breaks.
Encouraging families to engage in physical activity together: Families can be encouraged to engage in physical activity together, which can help to reinforce the importance of exercise and make it a more enjoyable experience.
Offering incentives: Offering incentives such as prizes or recognition for engaging in physical activity can help to motivate young people to exercise.

Conclusion

The deteriorating health of young people due to physical inactivity is a growing concern. Physical inactivity can lead to a range of negative health effects, including obesity, poor mental health, and chronic diseases.

There are many barriers that prevent young people from engaging in physical activity, but by providing safe spaces, offering a variety of activities, and encouraging families to engage in physical activity together, we can promote a more active lifestyle for young people.