Global Study Reveals Alarming Trends in Adolescent Physical Activity

A recent comprehensive study published in The Lancet Global Health has shed light on the concerning levels of physical activity among adolescents worldwide. The findings indicate that one in four young people, approximately 240 million individuals, reported being inactive on all days of the week in 2025, raising significant public health concerns.

Study Overview

The research draws from data collected across 389 surveys that encompassed 3.2 million adolescents aged 11 to 17 from 140 countries. This extensive dataset represents nearly 59% of the global adolescent population. Researchers defined “active days” as those in which adolescents engaged in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity—a benchmark established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Current Trends in Adolescent Activity

The findings revealed that the global average for active days remained constant at 2.7 days per week from 2010 to 2025, with only 14% of adolescents managing to engage in physical activity daily. The WHO has set a goal to reduce the number of adolescents failing to meet the recommended activity levels by 15% over the period from 2010 to 2030. However, the study reports that no countries or regions are currently on track to achieve this target.

Gender Disparities

Significant gender disparities emerged from the data, with boys reporting higher activity levels than girls. In 2025, boys averaged three active days per week, while girls averaged only 2.4 days. As girls mature, their levels of physical activity tend to decline, further widening the gap.

Geographical Variations

The study also highlighted pronounced geographical differences in activity levels. Adolescents from higher-income regions such as Central and Eastern Europe, East Asia and the Pacific, and High-Income Western nations reported an average of four active days per week, with considerably lower rates of inactivity (between 6.9% and 7.7%). In contrast, adolescents from lower- and middle-income regions—including Latin America, the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa—averaged only two active days per week, with inactivity rates soaring between 22.7% and 33.1%.

Most and Least Active Regions

The countries with the highest levels of activity among adolescents included Finland, Canada, and Serbia, where young people averaged between 4.5 and 4.8 active days per week. Conversely, Cambodia, Jordan, and Madagascar reported some of the lowest activity levels, with averages ranging from 1.7 to 1.9 active days per week.

Structural Influences on Physical Activity

The authors of the study attribute these disparities largely to structural factors. Wealthier nations are generally better positioned to allocate resources towards implementing physical activity policies and creating supportive environments, such as public parks and safe cycling paths. The study’s authors emphasized that the prevalence of inactive adolescents highlights the shortcomings of current interventions that fail to effectively reach significant portions of the population.

The Importance of Adolescent Physical Activity

The adolescent years are pivotal for establishing healthy habits that can lead to lifelong wellness. Regular physical activity during this period contributes positively to both physical and mental health, with its benefits extending into adulthood.

Recommendations for Future Action

In light of these findings, the authors urge governments and policymakers to act decisively. Strategies should be tailored to specific local contexts, ensuring they resonate with the entire adolescent population, particularly targeting the least active groups. Enhancing school environments and communities to encourage more active lifestyles is critical. Moreover, addressing the barriers that hinder girls from participating in physical activities—including sociocultural norms, safety issues, and insufficient options—should be prioritized.