Facts & figures
- Physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for poor health and is estimated to contribute to one million deaths (about 10% of the total) per year across the WHO European region.
- Adults need at least 30 minutes of regular, moderately intense physical activity on most days, which corresponds to burning 628 kj (150 kcal).
- Two-thirds of the EU’s adult population (>15 years) do not reach recommended activity levels (30 minutes/day on week days).
- Children need at least 60 minutes of moderately intense physical activity every day. At least twice a week, this should include activities to improve bone health, muscle strength and flexibility.
- Only 34% of European youth aged 11, 13 and 15 years reported enough physical activity to meet current guidelines.
- Current estimates of the direct (health care) and indirect costs of physical inactivity (loss of economic output due to illness, disease-related work disabilities or premature death) are alarming.
- There is strong evidence now to show that the beneficial effects of physical activity go well beyond preventing weight gain. Physical activity benefits both physical and mental well-being: it cuts the risk of many inactivity- related illnesses (such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes) by about 50%; it substantially reduces the risk of hypertension and some forms of cancer, and alleviates stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness.
