The World Health Organization (WHO) this week issued a statement revealing that nearly one-third (31%) of adults globally—approximately 1.8 billion people—failed to meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022.
This trend, which has worsened by about five percentage points since 2010, poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and various cancers.
Associate Professor Liezel Ennion, Chairperson of the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), emphasised the urgency of this issue.
"The recent WHO statement highlighting that 1.8 billion adults globally are at risk for disease from not being physically active is long overdue," Prof Ennion remarked.
"Physical inactivity is one of the biggest risk factors for Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM)."
In South Africa alone, 11.3% of the population was diagnosed with DM in 2021.
She pointed out that the true prevalence of diabetes might be much higher, with as many as 60% of cases in the developing world going undiagnosed.
"Diabetes and diabetes-related complications are one of the leading causes of death in South Africa," she noted.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported that 10.7% of all premature deaths under the age of 60 in South Africa were related to DM in 2021, a figure that underscores the severe impact of physical inactivity.
Furthermore, Prof Ennion highlighted the growing obesity epidemic in South Africa, where about 60% of adults are considered overweight or obese.
This situation calls for immediate action to increase physical activity levels. However, in a country marked by inequality, challenges such as poverty, overcrowding, and safety concerns make it difficult for people to be more physically active.
Despite these obstacles, community-led initiatives like Parkrun have inspired many individuals and communities to start moving, regardless of their current level of physical activity.
Prof Ennion stressed the importance of early intervention: "Physical education should be reinstated and encouraged in all schools at the grassroots level. It is also well-documented to prevent childhood and adult obesity."
City planners should also play a role in promoting physical activity by designing pedestrian and cycle lanes to encourage active commuting and ensure safety from traffic.
Reflecting on the 2011 United Nations High-Level Summit on Non-communicable Diseases, which called for strategies to combat obesity and physical inactivity, Prof Ennion acknowledged the complex socio-economic and ecological factors at play. However, she remains optimistic: "Every small step literally counts."
In conclusion, Prof Ennion calls for a comprehensive approach to tackle physical inactivity. "We need to find innovative ways to motivate people to be more active, considering factors like age, environment, and cultural background," she said. By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all, we can significantly reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and create a healthier and more productive population.
This trend, which has worsened by about five percentage points since 2010, poses significant health risks, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and various cancers.
Associate Professor Liezel Ennion, Chairperson of the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), emphasised the urgency of this issue.
"The recent WHO statement highlighting that 1.8 billion adults globally are at risk for disease from not being physically active is long overdue," Prof Ennion remarked.
"Physical inactivity is one of the biggest risk factors for Type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM)."
In South Africa alone, 11.3% of the population was diagnosed with DM in 2021.
She pointed out that the true prevalence of diabetes might be much higher, with as many as 60% of cases in the developing world going undiagnosed.
"Diabetes and diabetes-related complications are one of the leading causes of death in South Africa," she noted.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) reported that 10.7% of all premature deaths under the age of 60 in South Africa were related to DM in 2021, a figure that underscores the severe impact of physical inactivity.
Furthermore, Prof Ennion highlighted the growing obesity epidemic in South Africa, where about 60% of adults are considered overweight or obese.
This situation calls for immediate action to increase physical activity levels. However, in a country marked by inequality, challenges such as poverty, overcrowding, and safety concerns make it difficult for people to be more physically active.
Despite these obstacles, community-led initiatives like Parkrun have inspired many individuals and communities to start moving, regardless of their current level of physical activity.
Prof Ennion stressed the importance of early intervention: "Physical education should be reinstated and encouraged in all schools at the grassroots level. It is also well-documented to prevent childhood and adult obesity."
City planners should also play a role in promoting physical activity by designing pedestrian and cycle lanes to encourage active commuting and ensure safety from traffic.
Reflecting on the 2011 United Nations High-Level Summit on Non-communicable Diseases, which called for strategies to combat obesity and physical inactivity, Prof Ennion acknowledged the complex socio-economic and ecological factors at play. However, she remains optimistic: "Every small step literally counts."
In conclusion, Prof Ennion calls for a comprehensive approach to tackle physical inactivity. "We need to find innovative ways to motivate people to be more active, considering factors like age, environment, and cultural background," she said. By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all, we can significantly reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases and create a healthier and more productive population.
