311. Guidelines: 2021 ESC Cardiovascular Prevention – Question #29 with Dr. Laurence Sperling

What percentage of the European population currently meets the recommended physical activity guidelines (150 minutes moderate-intensity activity weekly or 75 minutes vigorous-intensity activity weekly)?

A

<10%

B

10-25%

C

25-50%

D

50-75%

E

>75%

Explanation

The correct answer is A: <10% of the European population currently meets the recommended physical activity guidelines.

The American Heart Association, European Society of Cardiology, and World Health Organization all share the recommendation that adults should engage in 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity activity. They recognize that additional health benefits may be garnered from incremental increases to 300 minutes per week of moderate intensity activity or 150 minutes per week of vigorous intensity activity, with a recommendation to include both aerobic and muscular strength training activities.

According to the WHO, physical inactivity is the 4^th leading cause of death in the world. The statistics regarding physical inactivity are staggering. Recent studies have shown that <10% of the European population meets the minimum recommended levels of physical activity. Similarly, ¼ adults and ¾ adolescents (aged 11-17) do not currently meet the global recommendations for physical activity. The World Health Organization has created a Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 with the goal to achieve a 15% relative reduction in the global prevalence of physical inactivity by 2030.

Society level interventions to increase physical activity have been proposed including school-based activity programs, improved accessibility of exercise facilities across the socioeconomic spectrum, and governmental consideration of physical activity when designing cities (i.e. including pedestrian and cycling lanes). Other policy suggestions with varying levels of evidence include focused media campaigns, economic incentives, targeting labeling of physical activity opportunities, and work-place wellness programs.

Main Takeaway

Despite growing awareness of the health consequences of sedentary behavior, fewer than 10% of adults currently meet the minimum recommended quantity of physical activity. Public health leaders may continue to consider novel legislative initiatives to augment physical activity on a societal level with architectural design and financial incentives.

Guideline Loc.

Section 5.2