NCD Watch

Make Physical Activity A ‘Must Do’ Habit

18 Jul 2023 (Tue)

Physical activity refers to any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults aged 18 and above (including those living with chronic conditions or disability) to do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity; or at least 75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity; or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity throughout the week. In addition, they should limit the amount of time spent being sedentary and replace sedentary time with physical activity of any intensity (including light-intensity physical activity).

Despite the known health benefits of regular participation in physical activity, more than one-quarter of the world’s adult population are insufficiently active. Locally, the Department of Health (DH) conducted the Population Health Survey (PHS) 2020–22 and observed that over four-fifths (80.7%) of persons aged 15 or above had not under-taken any vigorous-intensity physical activities and nearly one-tenth (9.6%) had not undertaken any moderate-intensity physical activities in a typical week. Overall, 24.8% of adults aged 18 or above did not meet the WHO’s recommended levels of aerobic physical activity. Regarding sedentary behaviour, 14.9% of persons aged 15 or above reported spending 10 hours or longer on average per day sitting or reclining. The mean duration of sedentary behaviour on a typical day was about 6.8 hours.

To reverse an unhealthy habit like being physically inactive can be challenging. For inactive adults or those who are insufficiently active, they are urged to appreciate the health benefits of physical activity, make a sensible choice and become more active. Studies showed that small increases in non-occupational physical activity (e.g. brisk walking) would offer substantial protection against various chronic diseases. Physical activity comes in many forms, individuals can select activities that are accord to their interest, time availability, skills, health status or fitness level. In time, small changes can lead to a big transformation and a healthy active life.

For increasing population’s participation in physical activity, the DH will continue organising health promotional campaigns using a variety of strategies to raise public awareness about the benefits of physical activity, and working closely with relevant stakeholders as well as community partners to integrate physical activity into daily living.

Source: NCD Watch July 2023