Promoting health-enhancing physical activity in Europe: Current state of surveillance, policy development and implementation

Physical activity is at the core of health and well-being. The benefits of physical activity – including reduced risk of noncommunicable diseases and lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression – are well known [1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults (including elderly) engage in at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week [2] . Figures from European Union (EU) countries indicate that six in every 10 people above 15 years of age never or seldom exercise or play any sports, and more than half never or seldom engage in other kind of physical activity, such as cycling or walking, household chores or gardening [3].

Source: Health Policy - February 2, 2018 Category: Health Management Authors: Jo ão Breda, Jelena Jakovljevic, Giulia Rathmes, Romeu Mendes, Olivier Fontaine, Susanne Hollmann, Alfred Rütten, Peter Gelius, Sonja Kahlmeier, Gauden Galea Source Type: research