Key facts
– Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds
– Physical activity contributes to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes
– Physical activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
– Physical activity enhances thinking, learning, and judgment skills
– Physical activity ensures healthy growth and development in young people
– Physical activity improves overall well-being
– Globally, 1 in 4 adults do not meet the global recommended levels of physical activity
– Up to 5 million deaths a year could be averted if the global population was more active
– People who are insufficiently active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active
– More than 80% of the world’s adolescent population is insufficiently physically active
WHO november 2020