3 December 2020

World Health Organisation Physical Activity Guidelines

The World Health Organisation (WHO) have released their first revised guidelines for physical activity in a decade. The new changes are subtle but impactful with a direct relevance for chiropractors to continue recommending physical activity for good health and chronic disease risk reduction.

Physical inactivity contributes significantly to Australian deaths annually and when combined with other lifestyle risk factors such as obesity, it ranks along with tobacco use as the leading risk factor for disease burden in Australia.

These new guidelines highlight moving more and sitting less as vital to maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Any physical activity is better than none and more is better. Aerobic activity no longer has to last 10 minutes to be beneficial. “Our lives depend upon us moving more.”

Current physical activity levels in Australia indicate 85% of adults do not reach the recommended levels of physical activity and muscle strengthening exercise. With only one in five children meeting the guidelines for physical activity of at least 60 minutes per day.

Chiropractors and other health professionals are well positioned to lead the way in advocating for increased physical activity levels within our communities. This requires governmental support and investment to help transform our communities into physical activity-friendly environments, where people of all ages can readily engage in physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing. Thereby reducing modifiable risk factors for chronic disease and premature death within Australians.

For the full guidelines click here.

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