WHO Reports 240 Million Teens Lack Physical Activity Weekly
A staggering one in four adolescents globally do not engage in any physical activity, raising serious health concerns, warns WHO.
25% of teens worldwide report no active days, equating to 240 million youth.
Girls are significantly less active than boys, with 28% reporting no active days.
WHO emphasizes the need for environments that promote safe physical activity.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed alarming statistics indicating that approximately 25% of adolescents worldwide do not participate in any physical activity, which translates to around 240 million young individuals lacking active days each week. This finding was published in a recent study in The Lancet Global Health, based on extensive surveys from over 3.2 million teens across 140 countries.
The WHO's report defines an 'active day' as one where adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The data shows that, on average, teens reported being active for only 2.7 days a week, with a mere 14% claiming to be active every day. This stagnation in physical activity levels over the past 15 years has raised significant health concerns, as inactivity is linked to increased risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO chief, highlighted the concerning gender disparity in physical activity, noting that 28% of girls reported having no active days compared to 22% of boys. Furthermore, only 11% of girls were active daily, in contrast to 17% of boys. The report also pointed out stark variations between countries, with up to 40% of adolescents in some nations, such as Namibia and Nepal, reporting no active days.
The WHO stresses that the lack of physical activity among adolescents is not merely a matter of individual willpower but is heavily influenced by environmental factors. Safe transportation, accessible recreational spaces, and community designs that encourage movement are crucial for promoting active lifestyles. The organization calls for comprehensive policies that make physical activity an integral part of daily life for young people.
Looking ahead, the WHO urges governments and communities to prioritize the creation of safe, engaging environments that foster physical activity among youth. This includes rethinking urban planning, school policies, and societal norms that currently inhibit active living. The need for immediate action is clear, as the health of millions of adolescents hangs in the balance.
