WHO events addressing public health priorities: Promoting physical activity: a regional call for action

Why is physical activity important? Physical activity is critical for population health. There is overwhelming evidence that physical inactivity is a risk factor for noncommunicable diseases, premature death and disability. It is responsible for 3.2 million deaths globally each year and is estimated to be the main cause of around 27% of diabetes, 30% of ischaemic heart disease and 21–25% of breast and colon cancer1. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region, the available data from countries show inactivity causes around 219 000 deaths every year. Conversely physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of such diseases; everybody can benefit from even moderate levels of physical activity.