# One in Four Teenagers Globally Lacks Sufficient Weekly Physical Activity New WHO data reveals 240 million adolescents face significant long-term health risks. - **Source:** [Gulf News](https://gulfnews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/52ff8de5-1bac-4cc0-b2db-342888039b6c ## Global Inactivity Crisis The World Health Organization reports that one in four teenagers aged 11 to 17 fails to achieve even one hour of moderate physical activity per week. This data, derived from 140 countries, suggests that approximately 240 million young people worldwide are currently leading sedentary lifestyles, significantly increasing their long-term health risks. ## Stagnant Progress Trends Despite growing awareness regarding sedentary behavior, physical activity levels among adolescents have remained virtually unchanged over the past 15 years. The study, published in The Lancet Global Health, highlights a concerning lack of global progress, indicating that current public health interventions have failed to effectively encourage movement among the youth population. ## Persistent Gender Disparities A stubborn gender gap persists in physical activity levels across almost every region studied. Approximately 28 percent of girls report zero active days per week, compared to 22 percent of boys. Furthermore, only 11 percent of girls meet daily activity targets, whereas 17 percent of boys achieve that same level of movement. ## Regional Activity Variations National statistics reveal stark differences in how teenagers engage with physical activity. In countries such as Namibia, Nepal, and the Philippines, 40 percent of adolescents report no active days. Conversely, youth in Bangladesh and Serbia show higher engagement, with over 30 percent of adolescents in those nations reporting daily physical activity participation. ## Chronic Disease Risks The WHO warns that physical inactivity serves as a primary risk factor for developing serious health conditions later in life. Specifically, the lack of movement is linked to higher incidences of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. Establishing active habits during adolescence is considered critical for reducing this global disease burden. ## Environmental Impact Factors Physical activity levels are heavily influenced by the environments where young people live and learn. Factors such as the availability of safe walking or cycling paths, public transportation modes, and school infrastructure play a major role. Additionally, social norms and lifestyles increasingly centered around screen time contribute to reduced daily physical movement. ## Systemic Policy Requirements Addressing this issue requires more than individual effort; it demands structural changes to society. The WHO emphasizes that governments must prioritize policies that make physical activity safe, easy, and accessible. This includes designing communities where playing and moving are integrated into daily life rather than relying solely on individual motivation or willpower. ## Future Health Implications With only 14 percent of adolescents globally reporting activity on all seven days, the current trajectory poses a threat to future public health. If these patterns continue, the prevalence of obesity and related metabolic disorders will likely rise. Urgent, coordinated action is required to normalize active lifestyles for the next generation. ## Sources covering this story - https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/one-in-four-teenagers-worldwide-gets-no-full-hour-of-daily-exercise-in-a-week-who-warns-1.500736112 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._