Physical Activity Promotion and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Building Synergies to Maximize...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• Urban Planning

Background:

• The global physical inactivity pandemic intersects with multiple sectors crucial for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Understanding these cross-sectoral links is vital for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how physical activity promotion strategies contribute to achieving the SDGs.
• To identify specific SDGs that benefit from physical activity initiatives and prioritize effective strategies.

Main Methods:

• A conceptual linkage exercise was performed.
• A scoping review of relevant literature was conducted.
• An agent-based model was utilized to simulate physical activity gains.

Main Results:

• Benefits were identified for 15 out of 17 SDGs, with strong evidence for SDGs 3, 9, 11, 13, and 16.
• Prioritizing large-scale transport, urban design, and community programs is supported by current evidence.
• Greater physical activity gains are anticipated in low- and middle-income countries, while high-income countries may need complementary policies to reduce car dependency.

Conclusions:

• A synergistic approach involving multiple sectors beyond health is essential for both physical activity promotion and SDG achievement.
• Physical activity promotion can serve as a key lever for advancing global health and environmental sustainability.
• Integrating physical activity into broader societal goals fosters a healthier planet.