“Physical inactivity has been characterized as a pandemic, accounting for 7% of all premature deaths per year globally and resulting in billions of dollars spent on health-related expenditures,” said Deborah Salvo, assistant professor of public health and lead author on the study.

Researchers developed a new simulation model to test multiple scale-up scenarios of different physical activity promotion strategies in different city types representing low-, middle- and high-income country settings.

The simulation results indicated that expected physical activity gains are greater for low- and middle-income countries. In high-income countries, physical activity promotion strategies also reduced air pollution and traffic-related deaths.

Through this evidence they state that physical activity promotion can help provide much needed small victories for the sustainable development agenda, while making important steps toward a healthier, more active world.

Source: Medindia