articleNature HealthMar 9, 2026HYBRID OA

Low global physical activity despite two decades of policy progress

The University of Texas Health Science Center · The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston · +20 more institutions

Indexed incrossref

Abstract

Abstract Global physical inactivity has remained high and unchanged for the past two decades. We assessed global political priority for physical activity. An analysis of national policy documents from 200 countries revealed notable progress in policy adoption since 2004, but we found limited evidence of implementation. A qualitative case study design, including insights from 46 key informants, confirmed low political priority. Four key challenges emerged: (1) domination of health-centric approaches; (2) limited recognition of benefits beyond non-communicable disease prevention; (3) interest across sectors but lack of clarity defining physical activity policy and of leadership; and (4) limited multisectoral…

No related works found for this paper.

Funding