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Updated: May 20, 2026
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Global physical activity levels: surveillance progress, pitfalls, and prospects.
Pedro C Hallal1, Lars Bo Andersen, Fiona C Bull
1Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Brazil. prchallal@gmail.com
Lancet (London, England)
|July 24, 2012
Summary
Globally, over 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents are physically inactive. This physical inactivity is more prevalent in women, older adults, and high-income nations, highlighting a critical public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Global Health
Background:
- Effective non-communicable disease (NCD) prevention requires accurate data on physical activity levels and trends.
- Understanding global physical activity patterns is crucial for public health policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report worldwide physical activity levels in adults and adolescents.
- To identify demographic and geographic variations in physical inactivity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of physical activity data from 122 countries for adults (≥15 years).
- Analysis of physical activity data from 105 countries for adolescents (13–15 years).
- Calculation of prevalence and confidence intervals for physical inactivity.
Main Results:
- Globally, 31.1% of adults are physically inactive, with rates varying from 17.0% in Southeast Asia to approximately 43% in the Americas and Eastern Mediterranean.
- Physical inactivity increases with age, is higher in women than men, and is more common in high-income countries.
- 80.3% of adolescents (13–15 years) do not meet recommended daily physical activity guidelines; boys are more active than girls.
Conclusions:
- Significant global physical inactivity exists among both adults and adolescents.
- Targeted interventions are needed, considering age, sex, and socioeconomic factors.
- Improved physical activity monitoring is essential for guiding effective NCD prevention strategies.
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