Researchers aimed to answer the following research questions: The Vitality Group commissioned RAND Europe to examine the potential global economic implications of encouraging people to be more physically active. It is estimated that every year, physical inactivity is associated with up to 5 million deaths worldwide, and contributes to healthcare expenditures, as well as lost productivity. And in high-income Western countries, almost 40 per cent of the population is inactive, compared with about 16 per cent of people in low-income countries. Globally, about one in three adults is not achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 mins of vigorous-intensity activity per week. It is also associated with a positive impact on mental health, possibly reducing the risk of the onset of dementia, as well as improving anxiety and depression.ĭespite the documented positive effects of exercise, insufficient physical activity has become more common over the past decades. Regular physical activity has many health benefits and is associated with lower risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, breast and colon cancer, as well as diabetes. However if this can be achieved, evidence shows that societies will be healthier and more prosperous.įour areas worth further exploration include changing behaviour and attitudes, providing an environment that encourages physical activity, promoting participation in physical activity programmes and interventions, and building mutually reinforcing approaches to encourage more physical activity across society.

Creating enduring change in physical activity is hard as there are significant barriers to change.

Benefits of physical activity