Millions of people around the world do not get enough exercise, and this could have devastating consequences, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned. 

The global health agency disclosed that the consequences could be spending $27 billion to treat diabetes, dementia, depression and heart-related diseases.

The UN health agency reported on Wednesday that in the 10 years from 2020 to 2030, almost 500 million more people worldwide would likely develop heart disease, obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, and other conditions due to a lack of exercise.

The organisation recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults to prevent diseases.

It says that more than a quarter (27.5 per cent) of the world’s population does not achieve this.

The problem is twice as bad in high-income countries (36.8 per cent) as in low-income countries (16.2 per cent).

The WHO emphasised that engaging in sports activities such as jogging, cycling, brisk walking or fitness classes in clubs or associations is necessary to keep one physically fit.

It stressed that cultural barriers prevent women from exercising outdoors in some countries, but people could also keep fit at home by climbing stairs, playing with children, or doing housework.

WHO also said the coronavirus pandemic showed the value of online fitness programmes.

Treating the 500 million people who are likely to fall ill due to lack of exercise would cost the world a combined $27 billion, according to Fiona Bull, the head of the WHO’s physical activity department.

She said the money could, instead, be used to train 100 million doctors. 

(dpa/NAN)