Young people’s health compromised by insufficient physical activity – WHO report
A new World Health Organization (WHO) led study indicates that young people’s health is compromised by their insufficient physical activity.
This follows a recent study which revealed majority of adolescents worldwide are not sufficiently physically active.
According to the study, this current practice is putting their present lives and future at risk.
The organization, in a news release on Friday, said the levels of insufficient physical activity in adolescents continue to be extremely high.
“Urgent policy action to increase physical activity is needed now, particularly to promote and retain girls’ participation in physical activity,” says study author Dr Regina Guthold, WHO.
Meanwhile, it noted the health benefits of a physically active lifestyle during adolescence includes improved cardio-respiratory and muscular fitness, bone and cardio-metabolic health, and positive effects on weight.
It also mentioned there is growing evidence that physical activity has a positive impact on cognitive development and socializing.
Current evidence from the study however, suggests that many of these benefits continue into adulthood.
In order to achieve these benefits, the WHO recommends for adolescents to do moderate or vigorous physical activity for an hour or more each day.
The authors estimated how many 11- to 17-year-olds do not meet this recommendation by analysing data collected through school-based surveys on physical activity levels.
The assessment included all types of physical activity, such as time spent in active play, recreation and sports, active domestic chores, walking and cycling or other types of active transportation, physical education and planned exercise.
To improve levels of physical activity among adolescents, the study recommends urgent scaling up is needed of known effective policies and programmes to increase physical activity in adolescents
Also, multi-sectoral action is needed to offer opportunities for young people to be active, involving education, urban planning, road safety and others.
Find details of the study below