Counteracting the Inactivity Epidemic: Should We Ring-Fence Paid Work Time for Physical Activity?

Ring-fencing work time for physical activity 1 Counteracting the inactivity epidemic: Should we ring-fence paid work time for physical activity? Commentary Physical inactivity is a problemPhysical inactivity is one of the most persistent public health challenges, with inactivity rates among the global population increasing from 23% in 2000 to 31% in 2022. [1][2]2][3] As modern society is irrevocably geared towards making life more convenient, the physical demands of daily living have been diminished. 4This shift has contributed to the rise of long-term conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and depression. 5,6Subsequently, the burden on healthcare services is large, 7 with many individuals now spending more years in poor health. 8In the USA, physical inactivity is associated with 11% of aggregate healthcare expenditures, costing an estimated $117 billion per year. 9Evidence shows that small increases in physical activity can have substantial health benefits. 10