Almost 1.8 billion adults are at risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers due to a lack of physical activity, Edinburgh researchers have revealed in a collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) – and the situation is getting worse, the study suggests.

The study showed nearly one-third of adults worldwide did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022.

The University of Edinburgh team say that inactivity levels are getting worse in Scotland and across the world.

The researchers found the number of people who did not get enough weekly exercise increased by almost five percent points to 31% between 2010 and 2022.

If current trends continue, the research team says, numbers of people who do not exercise enough is predicted to further rise to 35% by 2030.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said:

“These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer and heart disease, and improve mental health and wellbeing through increased physical activity.

“We must renew our commitment to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritising bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.”

However, the findings showed some signs of improvement.

Almost half of the world’s countries have made some progress in boosting physical activity in the past decade, and 22 countries were identified as likely to reach the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030.

First author, Dr Tessa Strain, Physical Activity for Health Research Centre at the Moray House School of Education and Sport in the University of Edinburgh, said this is the most “comprehensive picture” of physical activity trends over time.

Sport Scotland shows that the latest Scottish Household Survey reinforces the need for older adults in particular to increase their activity level – as participation in physical activity and sport declined with age.

This new study sees that trend mirrored globally, with people over 60 less active than younger adults.

The team analysed 507 surveys of people in 163 countries and territories, looking at information related to insufficient physical activity between 2000 and 2022 in groups ranging from 18 to 80 years old.

WHO defines insufficient physical activity as not meeting the guidelines for adults of 150 minutes of moderate intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity, physical activity every week.

Dr Fiona Bull, Head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity explains this is not can not be addressed by individuals alone:

“Promoting physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choice – it will require a whole-of-society approach and creating environments that make it easier and safer for everyone to be more active in ways they enjoy and to reap the many health benefits of regular physical activity.”

Professor Williams, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“When it comes to being active, it’s important to get into a routine that you enjoy and that you can stick to. Try to build up to 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, such as a brisk walk, swimming or cycling.” 

Physical inactivity is still more common among women globally compared with men, with inactivity rates of 34% compared to 29% on average.

While this difference is as much as 20 percentage points in some countries, Scotland’s latest survey revealed a difference of just four percentage points.

Dr Rüdiger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO said:

“Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic diseases.

“We need to find innovative ways to motivate people to be more active, considering factors like age, environment, and cultural background.

“By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all, we can significantly reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and create a population that is healthier and more productive.”

The study highlights the need for collective efforts based on partnerships between governments and nongovernmental stakeholders as well as increased investment in innovative approaches to support more people to increase their activity levels.

Read more: Exercise key to good health in type 2 diabetes; Breastfeeding in Glasgow: A collective responsibility; Economic change needed for Scotland's health inequalities; Medics warn pollution is risking children's health; Regulation key to reducing obesity; Smashing stigma to save lives

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