Expanding our understanding of the global impact of physical inactivity

Abstract

Physical inactivity (ie, not meeting WHO recommendations for physical activity) is a highly prevalent risk factor for premature mortality and several non-communicable diseases (NCDs).1 An important metric of public health burden is health-care cost; physical inactivity cost health-care systems INT$53·8 billion worldwide in 2013.2 The scientific evidence base on the health effects and global burden of physical inactivity has expanded greatly.3–5 Despite these scientific advances, the global prevalence of physical inactivity among adults was 27·5% in 2016, an estimate that remained stable since 2001.