WHO warns 1 in 4 teens worldwide get almost no exercise

Daily SabahParty-alignedCenterNov 4

The World Health Organization released new global estimates indicating that one in four adolescents aged 11 to 17 worldwide reports having no active days in a typical week, defined as lacking at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Published in The Lancet Global Health, the study analyzed data from over 3.2 million teenagers across 140 countries, revealing that approximately 240 million young people fall into this inactive category. On average, adolescents reported being physically active for only 2.7 days per week, with just 14% meeting the criteria for daily activity. The report highlights a persistent gender gap, noting that 28% of girls reported no active days compared to 22% of boys, and emphasizes that overall adolescent activity levels have remained virtually unchanged over the last 15 years. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that the issue requires systemic changes rather than individual effort, urging governments to create safer environments, improve infrastructure, and implement policies that make physical activity an accessible and normal part of daily life.

Bias read (Center): The article neutrally reports statistical findings and direct quotes from the WHO regarding public health metrics and environmental factors, without employing loaded language or taking a partisan stance on the proposed policy solutions.

UN NewsState / PublicCenterNov 4

A new World Health Organization report indicates that global efforts to increase physical activity among adolescents have stalled, with levels remaining virtually unchanged since 2010. Approximately 240 million young people aged 11 to 17 reported failing to achieve at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise on any given day last week. No country is currently on track to meet the 2030 global target of reducing physical inactivity by 15 percent. The data reveals a significant gender disparity, with girls consistently less active than boys across nearly all regions and countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the solution requires building safer infrastructure and communities rather than simply urging youth to exert more effort.

Bias read (Center): The article relies exclusively on official WHO data and quotes, presenting statistical findings and institutional recommendations without employing loaded language or partisan framing.