Physical Inactivity
Introduction[edit | edit source]
The World Health Organization (WHO) determined that approximately 31% of adults over 15 years old and over were insufficiently active in 2008, with males being slightly more active than females (28% vs. 34% inactive, respectively). Inactivity was highest in the Americas and Eastern Mediterranean, where almost 50% of women were insufficiently active in both these regions. 40% of men were found to be insufficiently active in the Americas, whereas in the Eastern Mediterranean, in was determined to be 36%. South East Asia showed the lowest percentages of physical inactivity, that being 15% for men and 19% for women. In almost all countries, WHO found that men were more active than women.[1]
Approximately 3.2 million deaths each year are attributable to insufficient physical activity.[1]
Sedentary Behaviour[edit | edit source]
Environmental Factors[edit | edit source]
Urbanization[edit | edit source]
Increased urbanization has resulted in several environmental factors which may discourage participation in physical activity such as:[1]
- violence
- high-density traffic
- low air quality, pollution
- lack of parks, sidewalks and sports/recreation facilities
