Physical Activity and Health Promotion

Worldwide it has been estimated that physical inactivity alone accounts for the premature loss of ∼5.2 million lives per year. Sedentary and inactive people should be given opportunities to become physically active, and those who are minimally active should be supported in doing more. Through community organization physical activity levels can increase among all individuals living in communities and bring about considerable health benefits. Approaches that demonstrate an acceptable level of effectiveness in increasing physical activity across different ages, social groups, and countries exist. For the whole population, there is much to be gained through policies and environmental supports, particularly through partnerships with the sectors of transport and urban planning that can increase opportunities for physical activity within communities.