\nThe authors analyzed data on physical activity levels collected through school-based surveys. All types of physical activity were analyzed, including time spent in active domestic chores, walking, cycling, or other forms of active transportation, active play, recreation and sports, planned exercise, and physical education. The study recommended urgent improvement of known effective programs and policies to increase adolescents\u2019 physical activity and multi-sectoral action to offer opportunities for young people to be active, for example, urban planning, road safety, etc.
\nStudy author Dr. Regina Guthold stated, \u201cUrgent policy action to increase physical activity is needed now, particularly to promote and retain girls\u2019 participation in physical activity, while co-author Dr Fiona Bull said,\u201d \u201cThe study highlights that young people have the right to play and should be provided with the opportunities to realize their right to physical and mental health and wellbeing\u2026Policy makers and stakeholders should be encouraged to act now for the health of this and future young generations.\u201d
\nEstimating the changing trend in the period between 2001-2016, the study observed that while the prevalence of insufficient physical activity of boys decreased slightly (from 80% to 78%), there was no change in girls (remaining at about 85%). As far as boys were concerned , Bangladesh showed the greatest decrease in boys being insufficiently active (from 73% to 63%), followed by Singapore (78% to 70%), Thailand (78% to 70%), Benin (79% to 71%), Ireland (71% to 64%), and USA (71% to 64%). But, as far as girls were concerned, there was very little change.
\nWhile the lower levels of insufficient physical activity in Bangladesh and India were attributed by the authors to the strong focus on national sports like cricket, the US rates were due to excellent physical education in schools, wide coverage of sports in media, and pervasiveness of clubs for sports like basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and American football. Bangladesh and India had the lowest levels of insufficient activity for girls, and this was attributed to societal factors like increased domestic chores in the home. Another study co-author, Dr. Leanne Riley, said, \u201cMore opportunities to meet the needs and interests of girls are needed to attract and sustain their participation in physical activity through adolescence and into adulthood.\u201d
\nIf these trends continue, the global target set at the World Health Assembly in 2018 of 15% reduction in insufficient physical activity (i.e. a global prevalence of less than 70% by 2030) will not be achieved, say the authors. \u201cCountries must develop or update their policies and allocate the necessary resources to increase physical activity,\u201d concluded Dr. Bull.
\nWorld Health Organization, https:\/\/urlzs.com\/tDxEQ
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