"Physical activity is any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity refers to all movement."  World Health Organization

Globally

• Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds
• Physical activity contributes to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes
• Physical activity reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Physical activity enhances thinking, learning, and judgment skills
• Physical activity ensures healthy growth and development in young people
• Physical activity improves overall well-being
• Globally, 1 in 4 adults do not meet the global recommended levels of physical activity
• People who are insufficiently active have a 20% to 30% increased risk of death compared to people who are sufficiently active
• More than 80% of the world's adolescent population is insufficiently physically active

---

The national picture

Physical inactivity now kills as many people as smoking and was found to cost the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups £455 million in 2013-2014 nationally.

As this graphic shows, we also know the specific benefits an active lifestyle can have.

 

---

In Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin 

According to the latest Sport England Active Lives Survey, 26.6% of adults living in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin are inactive and 27.8% of children and young people are less active.

We know the highest positive impact of being active is gained by those who are the least active and this is why #TogetherWeMove is focused on eliminating inactivity.

 

Get involved in #TogetherWeMove