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Lancet Study: 1 In 4 Adolescents Worldwide Report No Active Days Every Week: What Are The Health Risks?

Lancet Study Shows 1 In 4 Adolescents Worldwide Report No Active Days Every Week: What Are The Health Risks?

<span>Physical activity</span> is essential for physical and mental health. The <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO) recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily for adolescents.

However, a new study has found that one in four (25%) adolescents worldwide – around 240 million young people – reported no active days every week.

An active day is defined as one involving at least 60 minutes of MVPA, including activities that raise the heart rate or breathing rate, such as walking, cycling and sports.

Published in The Lancet Global Health, the global analysis found that adolescent physical activity levels have remained persistently low over the past 15 years.

<h2>Key Findings: Adolescent Physical Activity Remains Low</h2>

<strong>Also read</strong>: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/24-year-old-marathon-runner-dies-before-finish-line-due-to-muscle-breakdown-what-is-rhabdomyolysis-article-156458470" data-type="tilCustomLink">24-Year-Old Marathon Runner Dies Before Finish Line Due To Muscle Breakdown: What Is Rhabdomyolysis?</a>

The study analysed 389 population-based surveys from 140 countries and territories, involving 3.2 million adolescents.

In 2025, adolescents averaged just 2.7 active days per week, with only 14% being active every day. The proportion reporting fewer than seven active days has remained unchanged since 2010, and no country is on track to meet the 2030 global target.

Most low- and middle-income regions had higher proportions of adolescents reporting no active days. Some high-income regions recorded small improvements. 

The proportion of adolescents reporting no active days ranged from 4% to more than 40% across countries.

Daily activity levels also varied. Finland (28%) and Canada (25%) were above the global average of 14%, while Sweden and Norway stood at 17%, Germany at 13%, France at 11% and Italy at 9%.

"One in four teens worldwide are not active for even one hour on any day of the week. We know this affects their physical and mental health today and for the rest of their lives. We have the power to change this as a society. We can empower teens to be active every day and create inclusive policies to reach that 25% of teens who are not active on any day," said Professor Seth Flaxman from the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford/RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau.

<h2>Gender Gap: Why Are Girls Less Physically Active?</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/fitness/want-to-live-longer-heres-how-much-exercise-you-should-do-article-154578090" data-type="tilCustomLink">Want to Live Longer? Here's How Much Exercise You Should Do</a>

Girls were found less active than boys. Globally, 28% of girls reported no active days, compared with 22% of boys. Only 11% of girls were active every day, compared with 17% of boys. Their weekly average was also lower at 2.4 days, compared with three days among boys.

The study pointed out to restrictive gender norms, safety concerns and a lack of suitable activities as barriers to girls' participation in physical activity.

It calls for gender-responsive programmes and government policies that make schools and neighbourhoods safer and more conducive to physical activity.

<h2>What Are The Health Risks Of <span rel="noindex">Physical Inactivity</span>?</h2>

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Regular physical activity during adolescence helps establish healthy habits that can protect against chronic diseases later in life. Physical inactivity can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also affect bone development, mental health and cognitive function.

WHO recommends an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children and adolescents.

On the other hand, the benefits include better physical health, improved mental well-being, enhanced learning and educational outcomes, and greater social connection and inclusion in the short term. 

Over time, physical activity can lower the risk of noncommunicable diseases, promote healthier adult lifestyles, and improve productivity and quality of life. For the next generation, it can contribute to healthier families, stronger communities and reduced future health burdens.

WHO says encouraging adolescents to move more is not enough. Governments must create environments that make physical activity an accessible part of everyday life.

The organisation is calling for action across education, transport, urban planning, sport and health.

"We need to make being active the easy and enjoyable choice. Adolescents need safe routes to walk, cycle, wheel or scoot to school. They need green spaces to explore. They need opportunities to be active throughout the school day, not just in PE," said lead author Dr Tessa Strain from the University of Edinburgh.

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Physical activity is essential for physical and mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily for adolescents.However, a new study has found that one in four (25%) adolescents worldwide – around 240 million young people – reported no active days every week.An active day is defined as one involving at least 60 minutes of MVPA, including activities that raise the heart rate or breathing rate, such as walking, cycling and sports.Published in The Lancet Global Health, the global analysis found that adolescent physical activity levels have remained persistently low over the past 15 years.Key Findings: Adolescent Physical Activity Remains LowAlso read: 24-Year-Old Marathon Runner Dies Before Finish Line Due To Muscle Breakdown: What Is Rhabdomyolysis?The study analysed 389 population-based surveys from 140 countries and territories, involving 3.2 million adolescents.In 2025, adolescents averaged just 2.7 active days per week, with only 14% being active every day. The proportion reporting fewer than seven active days has remained unchanged since 2010, and no country is on track to meet the 2030 global target.Most low- and middle-income regions had higher proportions of adolescents reporting no active days. Some high-income regions recorded small improvements. The proportion of adolescents reporting no active days ranged from 4% to more than 40% across countries.Daily activity levels also varied. Finland (28%) and Canada (25%) were above the global average of 14%, while Sweden and Norway stood at 17%, Germany at 13%, France at 11% and Italy at 9%."One in four teens worldwide are not active for even one hour on any day of the week. We know this affects their physical and mental health today and for the rest of their lives. We have the power to change this as a society. We can empower teens to be active every day and create inclusive policies to reach that 25% of teens who are not active on any day," said Professor Seth Flaxman from the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford/RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau.Gender Gap: Why Are Girls Less Physically Active?Read More: Want to Live Longer? Here's How Much Exercise You Should DoGirls were found less active than boys. Globally, 28% of girls reported no active days, compared with 22% of boys. Only 11% of girls were active every day, compared with 17% of boys. Their weekly average was also lower at 2.4 days, compared with three days among boys.The study pointed out to restrictive gender norms, safety concerns and a lack of suitable activities as barriers to girls' participation in physical activity.It calls for gender-responsive programmes and government policies that make schools and neighbourhoods safer and more conducive to physical activity.What Are The Health Risks Of Physical Inactivity?      Regular physical activity during adolescence helps establish healthy habits that can protect against chronic diseases later in life. Physical inactivity can increase the risk of obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also affect bone development, mental health and cognitive function.WHO recommends an average of at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily for children and adolescents.On the other hand, the benefits include better physical health, improved mental well-being, enhanced learning and educational outcomes, and greater social connection and inclusion in the short term. Over time, physical activity can lower the risk of noncommunicable diseases, promote healthier adult lifestyles, and improve productivity and quality of life. For the next generation, it can contribute to healthier families, stronger communities and reduced future health burdens.WHO Calls For Stronger ActionWHO says encouraging adolescents to move more is not enough. Governments must create environments that make physical activity an accessible part of everyday life.The organisation is calling for action across education, transport, urban planning, sport and health."We need to make being active the easy and enjoyable choice. Adolescents need safe routes to walk, cycle, wheel or scoot to school. They need green spaces to explore. They need opportunities to be active throughout the school day, not just in PE," said lead author Dr Tessa Strain from the University of Edinburgh.

lancet study: 1 in 4 adolescents worldwide report no active days every week: what are the health risks?

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