Physical activity in the Western Pacific

Physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or participating in sports, provides substantial health benefits, including reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type-2 diabetes, breast and colon cancer, and depression. It also strengthens muscles and bones, improves mental health, helps maintain a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) by 20–30% (1). Globally, nearly one-third of adults (31% or 1.8 billion) (2) and 81% of adolescents aged 11–17 did not meet the WHO-recommended levels of physical activity, thereby missing out on these benefits (1,2). Physical inactivity is more prevalent among women and girls, and older adults across all WHO regions tend to become less active despite the clear physical and mental benefits of regular physical activity.