Fiona Bull / Photo: World Health Organization
When the World Health Organization launched the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) 2018-2030, governments committed to encourage and support communities to be more physically active. They recognised that regular physical activity and sport is good for hearts, bodies, and minds, and helps to decrease a range of NCDs, which place an enormous economic toll on public health systems. As a result, a global pledge to increase physical activity by 15 per cent by 2030 was part of the commitment to carry out policy recommendations contained in GAPPA.
Five years on, data from 194 countries in The Global status report on physical activity 2022, revealed that while some gains have been made, progress is slow and uneven. Less than 50 per cent of countries have a national physical activity policy, of which less than 40 per cent are operational. Only 30 per cent of countries have national physical activity guidelines for all age groups.
While nearly all countries report a system for monitoring physical activity in adults, 75 per cent of countries monitor physical activity among adolescents and less than 30 per cent monitor physical activity in children under five. In policy areas that could encourage active and sustainable transport, just over 40 per cent of countries have road design standards which make walking and cycling safer.
Only 30 per cent of
countries have national
physical activity guidelines
for all age groups
WHO estimates the total cost of treating the predicted new cases of five NCDs and two mental health conditions due to being inactive, will cost around US$27bn annually. However, the actual cost is likely to be even higher, as this conservative data does not include other key diseases, injuries from falls which could be prevented, or the cost of physical inactivity on economic productivity.
In most countries, policy development and implementation must improve if global targets on activity are to be met. The health and wellness industry plays a critical role in supporting government efforts to increase participation in physical activity, particularly in those who are the least active. By deploying its proven marketing skills, the wellness industry can advocate and communicate the multiple benefits of increased physical activity.
In most countries,
policy development and
policy implementation
must improve if global
targets on physical
activity are to be met
Supporting the development of digital technologies which continue to promote physical activity beyond the walls of the club will also expand access.
The physical activity and wellness industries are also valuable supporters of national and community activities, such as mass community walks and initiatives like Parkrun. By enhancing and increasing their contribution to organising or sponsoring initiatives, the industry can create more inclusive, accessible opportunities for people to be active in ways they enjoy. Maximising the wellness sector’s investments and support will help connect the public and private sector, reinforce a joined-up approach and amplify the positive benefits of physical activity.
Global policy
WHO recommends five actions to enable policy implementation to promote physical activity
• All relevant government departments recognise their contribution to increasing physical activity and reinforce a joined-up approach
• Ensure physical activity is embedded in all relevant policies: facilitate implementation with simple tools and guidance and strengthen multi-sector training
• Establish national coordination mechanisms to provide direction and oversight of the national agenda on physical activity, including all stakeholders
• Ensure data systems are aligned and provide tracking of policy implementation, as well as participation levels
• Identify and secure sustainable funding and align with needs to ensure sustained national policy commitments
WHO GOALS
WHO and OECD’s report Step Up! Tackling the Burden of Insufficient Physical Activity in Europe recommends that 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week would prevent 11.5 million new cases of NCDs by 2050, including 3.8m cases of cardiovascular disease, 3.5m cases of depression, almost 1m cases of Type 2 diabetes and 400,000 cases of different cancers.
Germany, Italy and France have the greatest healthcare burden from inactivity.