Healthy physical activity levels of young adults decreasing, researchers find

Physical inactivity among young adults is on the rise, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed the physical activity levels of 2 million American adults between 2011 and 2019 and found a concerning trend of decreasing activity levels among young adults.

Lead author David Abernethy, along with Associate Professor Toby Pavey and Dr. Jason Bennie, noted a steady decline in physical activity among young adults, a demographic that was previously thought to be more active. One possible explanation for this decline is the increased accessibility and reliance on sedentary behaviors associated with the proliferation of digital media.

The study revealed that approximately half of U.S. adults reported sufficient moderate-vigorous activity, with men being more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than women. Factors such as gender norms, lack of female-specific physical activity culture, and societal beauty standards were cited as potential reasons for this disparity.

The researchers identified key priority groups for increasing physical activity, including young adults, women, lower-educated populations, people living with obesity, and individuals with chronic diseases or mental health conditions. Strategies for increasing physical activity in these groups include offering inclusive and accessible programs, integrating physical activity into healthcare, and addressing societal norms and beauty standards.

The study underscores the importance of regular physical activity in improving overall well-being, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting healthy lifestyles. By understanding trends in physical activity levels and identifying factors that contribute to inactivity, public health campaigns and interventions can be tailored to encourage more people to meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity.

For more information on the study, you can access the published article in PLOS ONE titled “Temporal trends in aerobic physical activity guideline adherence among nationally representative samples of U.S adults between 2011 and 2019.” The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to increase physical activity levels and address the growing issue of inactivity among young adults and other priority groups.