Regular physical activity is proven to help prevent and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and breast and colon cancer. It also helps prevent hypertension, overweight and obesity and can improve mental health, quality of life and well-being.

However, much of the world is becoming less active. According to a new study led by WHO experts and published in the Lancet Global Health – more than one in four adults globally (28% or 1.4 billion people) are physically inactive. Yet this can be as high as one in three adults in some countries

High-income countries are more inactive compared with middle- and low-income countries.These data show the need for all countries to improve and provide environments that support physical activity and increase opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, to be active every day.

For tips on how to build more activity into your day go to the Health Advice tab and see lots of articles under Fitness, or simply click here.

Or to read more on the WHO’s Global action plan on physical activity follow the link below.

http://www.who.int/ncds/prevention/physical-activity/gappa