A new study has revealed that there is an “alarmingly high prevalence of insufficient physical activity” among Filipino children and adolescents, with only 15.4 percent meeting the global physical activity recommendation. This is according to the Youth Physical Activity Report Cards released by The Active Healthy Kids Global Alliance (AHKGA).
The Youth Physical Activity Report Cards are an evidence-based synthesis of children’s and adolescents’ behavior toward physical activity. The Philippines was graded an F in overall physical activity. In comparison, countries such as Finland and Slovenia scored an A-, due to various initiatives that promote physical activity among children. The grades came from “behaviors and characteristics” such as overall physical activity, organized sports, active play, active transportation, sedentary behavior, and physical fitness.
The study, sponsored by Sun Life Philippines, covered five Asian markets –the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. It was conducted in partnership with University of the Philippines Diliman College of Human Kinetics.
Insufficient physical activity among adults and adolescents is a global health problem identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations (UN), and other organizations. The pandemic has stalled initiatives to prevent its increased prevalence.
A WHO report states that “current global estimates show one in four adults and 81 percent of adolescents do not meet the global recommended levels of physical activity.”
The WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity (GAPPA) 2018-2030, which aims for more active people for a healthier world, provides a framework of actions that can help governments and private sectors to come up with plans to change the physical inactivity rate.
For the rest of us who are not from the policy making bodies, it is time to take a closer look at why insufficient physical activity can be a serious problem in the near future. First, let’s look at the why physical activity is important, as defined by the WHO:
“Physical activity has significant health benefits for the heart, body, and mind. It contributes to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. Physical activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. It enhances thinking, learning, and judgment skills. It ensures healthy growth and development in young people. And it improves overall well-being.”
What is considered physical inactivity? The WHO guideline defines that state for adults with “less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, or its equivalent.” For adolescents, physically inactive are those with “less than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity activity daily.”
Health experts have identified at least two factors contributing to physical inactivity, especially among the young: the sedentary lifestyle which does not encourage more physical movement like walking, cycling or sports; and more screen time for education and leisure, especially during the pandemic.
One of the policy recommendations in WHO’s GAPPA 2018-2030 is that there should be safer roads to encourage more biking and walking, and “more programs and opportunities for physical activity in key settings, such as childcare, schools, primary health care and the workplace.”
The WHO report calls for countries to “prioritize a fitness boost, as key to improving health and tackling NCDs, integrate physical activity into all relevant policies, and develop tools, guidance and training.”
“It is good for public health and makes economic sense to promote more physical activity for everyone,” said Dr. Ruediger Krech, WHO director in the Department of Health Promotion.
Each one of us can start promoting physical activity today, Sunday. Let’s take the kids for a walk.