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Physical Activity
Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure.
Physical inactivity, (a lack of physical activity) is an independent risk factor for chronic diseases, and overall is estimated to cause 1.9 million deaths globally.
Physical activity:
- Is a key determinant of energy expenditure, and thus is fundamental to energy balance and weight control.
- Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- Reduces risk of Type II diabetes
- Reduces the risk for colon cancer and breast cancer among women.
For physical activity, it is recommended that individuals engage in adequate levels throughout their lives. Additionally to the above mentioned benefits, being physically active also has social and mental health benefits.
Different types and amounts of physical activity are required for different health outcomes: At least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity physical activity on most days reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, colon cancer and breast cancer. Muscle strengthening and balance training can reduce falls and increase functional status among older adults. More activity may be required for weight control.
Increasing physical activity is a societal, not just an individual problem. Therefore it demands a population-based, multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary, and culturally relevant approach.
who action
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Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health (DPAS)
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Population-based approaches to increasing levels of physical activity [pdf 598kb]
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Spanish [pdf 3.03Mb]
This guide will assist WHO Member States and other stakeholders in the development and implementation of a national physical activity plan and provide guidance on policy options for effective promotion of physical activity at the national and sub-national level.
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Review of Best Practice in Interventions to Promote Physical Activity in Developing Countries [pdf 1.07Mb]
This is a background document prepared for the 'WHO Workshop on Physical Activity and Public Health' that was held in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, on 24–27 October 2005. It aims to assist stakeholders in the development and implementation of a national physical activity plan and provide guidance on policy options for effective promotion of physical activity at the national and sub-national level.
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Monitoring and evaluating DPAS's implementation
This framework sets an approach to measure the implementation of DPAS, in coordination with ongoing monitoring and surveillance initiatives, and to assist Member States to identify specific indicators to measure the implementation of DPAS at country level.
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Implementing DPAS: Member State Experiences
Webpage with direct links to Member State documents regarding DPAS implementation
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Preventing Noncommunicable Diseases in the Workplace through Diet and Physical Activity
WHO/World Economic Forum Report of a Joint Event
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School Policy Framework: Implementation of the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health
The overall purpose of this tool is to guide policy-makers at national and sub-national levels in the development and implementation of policies that promote healthy eating and physical activity in the school setting through changes in environment, behaviour and education.
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The 3 Fives campaign for the Olympic Games
The 3 Fives: Five Keys to Safer Food, Five Keys to a Healthy Diet, Five Keys to Appropriate Physical Activity, primarily provides simple messages on what to consume to stay healthy, how to prepare food safely and how to keep moving to stay in good shape.
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Information about "Move for Health"
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