Are you moving enough? WHO warns physically inactive people face 20-30% higher death risk than those who stay active

According to the WHO, physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle significantly increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases and all-cause mortality.

World Health Organisation (WHO) released a June 2024 guideline underscoring a stark public health reality: the combined rise of physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyles is fueling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, placing an escalating burden on healthcare systems.

Move more, live longer

WHO defined physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. This encompasses all movement — whether during leisure time, for transportation, or as part of work and domestic duties.

Per WHO, both moderate and vigorous intensity activities offer health benefits, with accessible options including walking, cycling, wheeling, sports, active recreation, and play. According to the health agency, movement can be undertaken at any skill level and enjoyed by everyone.

Conversely, physical inactivity remained a leading risk factor for NCD mortality. Individuals who are insufficiently active face a 20 percent to 30 percent increased risk of death compared to those who meet physical activity standards.

Distinct health impacts across lifespans

⦿ Children and adolescents: regular movement improves physical fitness, cardiometabolic health, bone health, cognitive outcomes, mental health, and body fat levels. Conversely, higher sedentary time correlates with increased adiposity, reduced sleep duration, and poorer fitness, cardiometabolic health, and prosocial behaviour.

⦿ Adults and older adults: activity reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, incident hypertension, site-specific cancers, type-2 diabetes, and falls, while improving mental health, cognitive function, sleep, and body fat measures. High levels of sedentary behaviour increase all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality, as well as the incidence of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes.

⦿ Pregnant and postpartum women: physical activity lowers the risk of pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, excessive gestational weight gain, delivery complications, postpartum depression, and newborn complications. The agency notes that exercise poses no adverse effects on birthweight or stillbirth risks.

The WHO global guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour outlined specific recommendations on frequency, intensity, and duration for individuals aged 5 and older, including those with chronic conditions or disabilities. The core message highlighted that any amount of physical activity is better than none, all activity counts, every age group should limit sedentary time, and muscle-strengthening benefits everyone.

A dedicated guideline for children under five-years-old further provided 24-hour recommendations balancing physical activity, sleep, and strict limits on screen-based sedentary time or physical restraint.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.