WHO says one in four teens reported no active days in a week
The WHO links inactivity to health risks and says girls are less active than boys in almost every region.
Thursday 5 November · 14:08 · 1 min read
In 30 seconds
- One in four people aged 11 to 17 reported no day with at least 60 minutes of activity in the previous week. [1]
- The estimate draws on surveys from 140 countries and territories involving more than 3.2 million adolescents. [1]
- The WHO said inactivity raises health risks and urged communities to make it safer and easier for young people to move and play. [1]
What happened
The World Health Organization said one in four adolescents aged 11 to 17 reported no day in the previous week with at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The estimate is based on surveys covering more than 3.2 million young people in 140 countries and territories and was published in The Lancet Global Health. The WHO said 28% of girls and 22% of boys reported no active days, and warned that inactivity raises the risk of several diseases.
Why it matters
The findings point to physical activity as a health issue for young people, but the source gives global estimates and does not provide a Cambodia-specific figure. The WHO said safe places to walk, cycle and play can help make activity easier.
Background
The WHO defines an active day in this estimate as one with at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Across the studies, adolescents reported an average of 2.7 active days a week, while 14% said they were active every day.
Key terms
- Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity
- Movement that takes more effort than light activity; the WHO estimate counted at least 60 minutes of it as an active day.
- Physical inactivity
- Not doing enough physical activity for health.
- Type 2 diabetes
- A long-term condition that affects how the body controls blood sugar.
Sources (1)
[1] Cambodianess WHO Sounds Alarm Over Lack of Physical Activity Among Teens 5 Nov Read originalWas this explainer clear?
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