Inactive teens jeopardising future - WHO
Friday November 22nd, 2019
Most adolescents, globally, are too inactive, putting their future health at risk, according to a major analysis published today.
More than 80% of secondary school students – over the age of 11 – do not achieve an hour of physical activity daily, according to the World Health Organisation-backed study.
Researchers found just four countries where girls are more active than boys – Tonga, Samoa, Afghanistan and Zambia.
In all other countries, girls are more inactive than boys – and this is at its greatest in the USA and Ireland, according to the research. The researchers say there is some sign of activity levels improving among boys – but not among girls.
The findings, reported in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, come from data reported by 1.6 million students from 146 countries.
Researcher Dr Fiona Bull, from WHO, said: "The study highlights that young people have the right to play and should be provided with the opportunities to realise their right to physical and mental health and wellbeing.
"Strong political will and action can address the fact that four in every five adolescents do not experience the enjoyment and social, physical, and mental health benefits of regular physical activity. Policy makers and stakeholders should be encouraged to act now for the health of this and future young generations."
She added: "Policies should increase all forms of physical activity, including through physical education that develops physical literacy, more sports, active play and recreation opportunities – as well as providing safe environments so young people can walk and cycle independently.
"Comprehensive action requires engagement with multiple sectors and stakeholders, including schools, families, sport and recreation providers, urban planners, and city and community leaders."
Lancet Child & Adolescent Health 22 November 2019
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(19)30323-2/fulltext
Tags: Africa | Asia | Fitness | Infancy to Adolescence | North America | World Health
Printer
friendly page