Global Physical Activity Levels Stagnant Despite Policy Progress

New study finds 92% of countries have physical activity policies, but 1 in 3 adults still don't meet WHO guidelines

Mar. 10, 2026 at 4:10am

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A new study led by researchers at UTHealth Houston found that despite a majority of countries developing policies to promote physical activity over the past two decades, the prevalence of physical activity among the global population has remained low. The study, published in Nature Health, analyzed data from 218 countries and found that while 92% of countries now have at least one policy document addressing physical activity, 1 in 3 adults worldwide are still not meeting the World Health Organization's recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

Why it matters

The findings highlight the disconnect between policy development and real-world impact when it comes to increasing physical activity levels globally. Researchers say physical activity has not received the same prioritization and concerted action as other public health issues like smoking and nutrition, despite its well-known benefits for chronic disease prevention and overall health.

The details

The study, led by Dr. Andrea Ramirez Varela, found that while 35% of countries now have a policy specifically dedicated to physical activity - a significant increase from 2004 - progress in actually getting people more active has stagnated. The researchers propose that countries need to take a more proactive, multi-sectoral approach to defining, framing, and promoting physical activity as both an individual and population-level priority, embedded in urban planning, education, and beyond the traditional health sector.

  • The study analyzed data from 218 countries between 2004 and 2025.
  • The research was published on March 10, 2026.

The players

Andrea Ramirez Varela

The principal investigator of the study, an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and the Department of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston.

Harold W. Kohl III

A late co-author of the paper, a professor of epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.

World Health Organization

The global health agency that recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

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What they’re saying

“Physical activity as a behavior that enhances health and has other benefits has really not increased since 2012. But that can be mistakenly taken as if there was no action or policy action around it.”

— Andrea Ramirez Varela, Assistant Professor

“Physical activity should be embedded in the way we design our cities, helping create communities where people want to live and move more. It also belongs in education. Physical activity spans multiple sectors, yet the conversation has largely been focused on health.”

— Andrea Ramirez Varela, Assistant Professor

What’s next

Researchers recommend that countries take a more proactive, multi-sectoral approach to defining, framing, and promoting physical activity as a priority that extends beyond just the health sector, including in urban planning, education, and other areas of policy.

The takeaway

Despite significant progress in physical activity policy development globally over the past two decades, the prevalence of physical inactivity remains stubbornly high. Translating policies into real-world impact will require a more comprehensive, cross-cutting approach that embeds physical activity promotion across multiple sectors and levels of society.