Being inactive carries health risks and, according to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity causes an estimated 3.2 million deaths per year.
Why is physical inactivity a public health issue?
Physical inactivity is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, making it an important public health priority. People who are insufficiently active have a 20-30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active (WHO).
By promoting physical activity at the population level, we can improve the health of individuals and communities and reduce the burden of chronic disease.
Regular physical activity has significant benefits for overall physical and mental wellbeing. It can improve muscular and cardio-respiratory fitness and bone health; reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain cancers, and depression; reduce the risk of falls and fractures; and help maintain a healthy body weight.
Guidelines & Support
Finding something you enjoy doing is one of the easiest ways to be more physically active.
Ireland:
Northern Ireland:
- The Chief Medical Officers in the UK have issued this Guidance on the amount and type of physical activity people should be doing to improve their health.
- The Choose to Live Better website, developed by the Public Health Agency, has information on becoming more active as well as information on local supports.