Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1.9 million participants
Pooled surveillance across 168 countries (n≈1.9M): global age-standardised insufficient physical activity prevalence was 27.5% in 2016, higher in women than men, and rising in high-income countries versus 2001—authors concluded the 2025 WHO target would be missed without scaled policies.
Definition
Insufficient physical activity = not meeting ≥150 min/week moderate-intensity, ≥75 min/week vigorous, or equivalent combined bouts across work, transport, home, and leisure domains (survey harmonisation via regression models).
2016 headline prevalence (global, age-standardised; abstract)
- Overall: 27.5% (95% UI 25.0–32.2)
- Sex gap: 23.4% men vs 31.7% women
Trends 2001→2016
- Global insufficient-activity prevalence stable within uncertainty ( 28.5% in 2001 vs 27.5% in 2016 )
- High-income countries: prevalence higher (36.8% in 2016) and increasing from 2001 (31.6%)
- Low-income countries: lower prevalence (16.2% in 2016)
Interpretation
Authors argue the 2025 WHO 10% relative reduction target for insufficient activity will not be met on current trajectories—policy lever, not an individual training prescription by itself.
Publication
Guthold R, Stevens GA, Riley LM, Bull FC. Lancet Glob Health. 2018 Oct;6(10):e1077-e1086. PMID 30193830.
Outcomes
- 2016 global age-standardised insufficient physical activity prevalence 27.5% (95% UI 25.0–32.2) across 358 surveys in 168 countries.
- Sex difference in 2016: 23.4% (95% UI 21.1–30.7) insufficient activity in men vs 31.7% (28.6–39.0) in women (global age-standardised estimates).