Multiple benefits of physical activity promotion at scale to individuals, communities and the planet can contribute to the U.N. sustainable development goals.
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The study discovered strong links between physical activity promotion strategies and eight out of the 17 SDGs. Those goals are good health and well-being (SDG 3); gender equity (SDG 5); industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); reduced inequalities (SDG 10); sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11); climate action (SDG 13); and peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16).
“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.
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Source-Medindia