Lack of physical activity, a health risk for 95% of French adults

Today, only 5% of adults are physically active enough to be protective, according to the agency.

To measure the levels of exposure to lack of physical activity and the associated risks, ANSES based itself on two studies it had carried out in February 2016 and June 2017 (which excluded pregnant and postmenopausal women).

It appears from his analysis that women are more exposed to a lack of physical activity.

In fact, 70% of them are below all levels of activity identified to be in good health, compared to 42% of men.

Regarding a sedentary lifestyle, spending more than 8 hours a day in a seated position exposes you to a health risk, notes ANSES.

This can be time spent in front of a screen or in a seated position (for example in the car or at work).

Low-educated adults and those under 45 are the most affected.

Almost the entire French population is exposed to a risk of deterioration of their health due to lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle, according to the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety Overall, 38% of adults are exposed to more than eight hours of sedentary time per day.

An Ile-de-France resident is exposed to two more hours of sedentary time than a resident of a rural area.

Almost the entire French population is exposed to a risk of deterioration of their health due to lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle, according to the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety Ludovic MARIN AFP/ Archives

There are many health risks: the dangers associated with insufficient physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle include an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and certain cancers.

They are all the higher as the exposures are combined.

Thus in France, more than a third of adults combine a high level of sedentary lifestyle and insufficient physical activity, underlines ANSES.

These people have higher mortality and morbidity rates.

"These very clearly avoidable risks require activating certain levers", deduces Professor Irène Margaritis, head of the Nutrition Risk Assessment Unit at ANSES.

Better consideration of sports practice in public policies is absolutely essential to prevent health risks, according to ANSES in particular.

© 2022 AFP