Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and a host of other health problems.

In fact, according to a recent study, inadequate physical activity contributes to the deaths of around five million people every year. Clearly, physical inactivity is a serious public health issue that needs to be addressed.

What is Physical Activity?

Physical activity is any movement of the body that requires energy expenditure. This can include activities such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, dancing, and sports. Physical activity can be structured (e.g. going to the gym) or unstructured (e.g.

taking the stairs instead of the elevator), and can be performed at any intensity level – from light to vigorous.

Why is Physical Activity Important?

Physical activity has numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Regular exercise can help to:.

Improve cardiovascular health
Lower blood pressure
Reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer
Improve bone density
Strengthen muscles
Boost immune function
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve sleep quality
Enhance overall quality of life

The Effects of Inadequate Physical Activity

Unfortunately, many people around the world do not get enough exercise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four adults and four out of five adolescents do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.

This lack of exercise can have serious health consequences. Inadequate physical activity is a major risk factor for a range of health problems, including:.

Obesity
Heart disease
Stroke
Type 2 diabetes
Cancer (breast and colon)
Depression
Alzheimer’s disease
Hip fracture

The Cost of Inadequate Physical Activity

Not only does inadequate physical activity have a significant impact on individual health, it also has a huge economic cost.

According to a study published in The Lancet, physical inactivity costs the global economy around $67.5 billion per year in healthcare expenses and lost productivity.

What Can Be Done to Increase Physical Activity?

Given the serious consequences of inadequate physical activity, it is clear that something needs to be done to encourage more people to exercise. Some strategies that can help to increase physical activity levels include:.

Education – Educating people about the importance of physical activity and the negative consequences of being sedentary can help to increase awareness and encourage action.
Community programs – Programs that promote physical activity in local communities, such as walking groups or sports teams, can help to create a supportive environment for exercise.
Environmental changes – Modifying the built environment to make it more conducive to physical activity, such as building more sidewalks or bike paths, can encourage people to walk or bike instead of driving.
Workplace interventions – Encouraging physical activity in the workplace, such as standing desks or lunchtime exercise classes, can help to increase physical activity levels among employees.
Policy changes – Government policies and regulations can also help to promote physical activity. For example, policies that require schools to provide physical education classes or that mandate bike lanes on roads can encourage physical activity on a larger scale.

Conclusion

Physical inactivity is a serious public health issue that contributes to the deaths of around five million people every year. Lack of exercise can lead to a host of health problems, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and cancer.

In addition to the individual toll, physical inactivity also has a significant economic cost. Strategies to increase physical activity levels include education, community programs, environmental changes, workplace interventions, and policy changes.

By taking action to encourage more physical activity, we can help to promote better health and wellbeing for people around the world.