According to new data published in The Lancet Global Health on Tuesday, half of Indian adults did not achieve the recommended level of physical activity in 2022. Experts warn that this inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and breast and colon cancers.

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Globally, 31% of adults did not meet the recommended level of physical activity, but in India, this figure was 49.4%, with Pakistan close behind at 45.7%. In contrast, Bhutan and Nepal had much lower rates at 9.9% and 8.2%, respectively. If current trends continue, it is projected that by 2030, 59.9% of Indian adults will fall short of the recommended physical activity levels.

The highest physical inactivity rates were found in the high-income Asia-Pacific region (48%) and South Asia (45%). In comparison, inactivity levels in other regions varied, from 28% in high-income Western countries to just 14% in Oceania.

Experts note a troubling trend of adult physical inactivity, which has risen by approximately 5 percentage points from 2010 to 2022. The researchers said “If the trend continues, levels of inactivity are projected to further rise to 35% by 2030, and the world is currently off track from meeting the global target to reduce physical inactivity by 2030.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) advises adults to engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity weekly, or an equivalent amount. Physical activity encompasses all forms of movement, including walking, cycling, sports, recreational activities, household chores, and physically demanding jobs. These activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level, and are meant to be enjoyable and beneficial for health, according to WHO experts. The study was conducted by WHO researchers in collaboration with academic partners.

The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Adhanom said “These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer, heart disease and improve mental well-being through increased physical activity. We must renew our commitments to increasing levels of physical activity and prioritize bold action, including strengthened policies and increased funding, to reverse this worrying trend.”

Gender and Age Disparities in Physical Activity Levels

Experts note persistent disparities in physical activity levels based on gender and age. Globally, women are more likely to be physically inactive compared to men, with inactivity rates at 34% versus 29%. In certain countries, this gap can widen to as much as 20 percentage points. Moreover, adults over 60 are generally less active than younger adults, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to encourage physical activity among older populations.

Dr. Rüdiger Krech, director of health promotion at WHO, remarked, “Physical inactivity is a silent threat to global health, contributing significantly to the burden of chronic diseases.” Further adding, “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 non-communicable diseases and create a population that is healthier and more productive.”

According to the WHO, consistent physical activity lowers the risk of several diseases: it reduces the likelihood of various cancers by 8–28%, heart disease and stroke by 19%, diabetes by 17%, and depression and dementia by 28–32%. It is estimated that encouraging more physical activity globally could prevent 4–5 million deaths annually.

Despite these concerning findings, there is a glimmer of hope, as certain countries have shown signs of progress. The study revealed that nearly half of all countries have made advancements in addressing physical inactivity over the past decade. Additionally, 22 countries are identified as potentially meeting the global target of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030, assuming they maintain their current pace of improvement.

Based on these findings, the WHO urged countries to enhance their policy implementation to encourage and facilitate physical activity. This includes promoting grassroots and community sports, active recreational activities, and adopting active transportation methods such as walking, cycling, and using public transport, among other measures.

Dr. Fiona Bull, head of the WHO Unit for Physical Activity, stated, “Promoting physical activity goes beyond promoting individual lifestyle choices; 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 to reap the many health benefits of regular physical activity.”

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