Whole System Approach to Increasing Physical Activity

Introduction

Physical inactivity is a global public health problem. It is a leading risk factor for premature death from noncommunicable diseases.Conversely, regular physical activity is associated with reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer, and with improved mental health and quality of life. Worldwide 23% of adults and 81% of adolescents (aged 11–17 years) do not meet the global recommendations for physical activity. The prevalence of inactivity varies considerably within and between countries. Unfortunately physical inactivity increases with economic development, owing to the influence of changing patterns of transportation, use of technology, urbanization and cultural values. Therefor wole system approach locally and globally is recommended in order to increase physical activity.

World Health Organisation (WHO) makes policies and strategies for promoting physical activity worldwide . The latest draft for global action plan on physical activity for 2018-2030 contains four main strategic objects: create an active society, create active environments,create active people and create active systems .