Leslie Massey
Physical inactivity is a global issue, with over 1.4 billion people not physically active, and a global mortality risk of 20-30% in adults. According to a Stanford University study, Indonesia is the laziest country, with its citizens averaging 3,513 steps per day. In 2018, a World Health Organization study found that 30.4% of Australian adults, or almost a third, did not reach the recommended level of physical activity, ranking 97th out of 168 countries. This puts Australia below comparable Western nations such as France, Spain, and Canada. However, Australia is not among the top 20 laziest countries, which include Kuwait, American Samoa, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, with New Zealand ranked 14th.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country with the least active population | Kuwait (67%) |
| Country with the most active population | Hong Kong |
| Australia's rank in the list of 168 countries for the number of people being sufficiently active | 97th |
| Percentage of Australian adults who don't get the recommended level of physical activity | 30.4% |
| Percentage of Australian women who don't get the recommended level of physical activity | 33% |
| Percentage of Australian men who don't get the recommended level of physical activity | 27% |
| Countries with the highest prevalence of insufficient physical activity | Portugal, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Qatar |
| Countries with the lowest prevalence of insufficient physical activity | Uganda, Mozambique, Lesotho, Tanzania, Niue, Vanuatu, Togo, Cambodia, Myanmar, Tokelau |
| Countries with the highest average steps per day | Hong Kong (6,880), UK (5,444), US (4,774) |
| Countries with the lowest average steps per day | Indonesia (3,513), Saudi Arabia (3,807), Malaysia (3,963) |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's physical inactivity
Australia has been described as one of the laziest countries in the world. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, 30.4% of Australian adults did not reach the recommended level of physical activity for staying healthy in 2016. This equates to around one-third of Australians not getting enough exercise, with Australian women being less active than men. In 2018, Australia ranked 97th out of 168 countries for physical activity levels.
The WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, such as cycling or brisk walking, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise like running, per week. However, many Australians are failing to meet these targets. This lack of physical activity can lead to lethargy and laziness, and it is linked to a global mortality risk of 20-30% in adults.
While Australia may have a significant issue with physical inactivity, other countries also struggle with low exercise levels. For example, in 2020, New Zealand was ranked the 14th laziest country globally, with 42.4% of its population failing to meet recommended exercise targets. Similarly, the United States has higher levels of inactivity than the United Kingdom, with 40% of adults not exercising enough.
When comparing regions, high-income countries tend to have higher rates of physical inactivity than low-income countries. This is often due to sedentary lifestyles and reliance on public transportation. However, there are exceptions, such as the United States being more inactive than the United Kingdom.
While Australia may not be the absolute laziest country in the world, it is important to address the issue of physical inactivity to improve the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Obesity prevalence in Australia
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.4 billion people worldwide are not physically active, with 28% of adults aged 18 and above reported to be insufficiently active in 2016. Physical inactivity is linked to a global mortality risk of 20-30% in adults.
In 2018, a World Health Organization study found that 30.4% of Australian adults did not reach the recommended level of physical activity for staying healthy in 2016. Australia ranked 97th out of 168 countries for physical activity.
The 2017-18 National Health Survey found that two-thirds of Australians aged 18 and over were overweight or obese. This was up from 63% in 2014 and 56% in 1995. 34% were overweight but not obese, and 32% were obese. Men were more likely to be overweight or obese than women, with 74.5% of men falling into this category compared to 60% of women. The survey also found that living in disadvantaged areas was a factor in the number of people who were overweight or obese. Around 70% of Australians living in the most disadvantaged areas were overweight or obese, compared to 63% in the least disadvantaged areas.
In 2022, 66% of adults were overweight or obese, with 34% overweight but not obese, and 32% obese. Australia had the 10th highest proportion of overweight or obese people aged 15 and over among 21 OECD member countries.
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How does Australia compare to other Western nations?
Australia has been ranked 97th out of 168 countries for physical inactivity, with 30.4% of its adult population not reaching the recommended level of physical activity for good health. This means that Australia is less active than comparable Western nations such as France, Spain, and Canada. However, Australia is still more active than the United States, where 40% of adults do not get enough exercise, and Italy, with 41%.
In 2020, New Zealand was ranked the 14th "laziest country in the world", with 42.4% of its population failing to hit the recommended exercise targets. This places New Zealand higher than Australia in terms of inactivity, indicating that Australia is not the laziest Western nation.
According to a Stanford University study based on smartphone data, Indonesia ranks as the laziest country in the world, with an average of 3,513 steps per day. This is significantly lower than the average number of steps taken by residents of Hong Kong, who are considered the fittest with an average of 6,880 steps per day.
While Australia may not be the laziest country in the world, physical inactivity is still a concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. Failing to meet these guidelines can lead to health risks, and physical inactivity is linked to a global mortality risk of 20-30% in adults.
In summary, while Australia may not be the laziest country in comparison to other Western nations, it is important to address the issue of physical inactivity to promote the health and well-being of its citizens.
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Australian women vs. men in exercise
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, 30.4% of Australian adults did not reach the recommended level of physical activity for staying healthy in 2016. Australia ranked 97th out of 168 countries in terms of the number of people being sufficiently active. The study also found that Australian women were less likely to exercise than men, with about one-third of Australian women not getting enough exercise compared to 27% of men. However, other sources suggest that Australian women exercise more than men in every state and territory. Data from the Australian Sports Commission (ASC) revealed that 61% of Australian women exercised at least three times a week, compared to 57% of men. The trend was consistent across all states and territories, with the difference being most pronounced in Queensland.
The discrepancy in the findings regarding Australian women's exercise habits compared to men may be due to various factors, including societal expectations, gender roles, and income levels. For example, a study from The Australian National University (ANU) found that in heterosexual couples, men tend to have more free time for exercise, while women often have to juggle their jobs, housework, and family responsibilities, leaving them with less time for physical activity. Additionally, Paul Fairweather from the ASC suggested that the gender difference in exercise motivation might play a role, with health and fitness being the primary motivation for women, while men may be motivated by a variety of factors beyond just health.
The issue of laziness in Australia is a complex one, and it's important to consider the societal and cultural factors that may contribute to it. While the WHO study found that a significant proportion of Australian adults are not sufficiently active, other factors such as income levels, access to sports facilities, and cultural attitudes towards exercise and health may also play a role in the overall inactivity levels in the country.
In comparison to other countries, Australia's ranking as the 97th most active country out of 168 suggests that it is not the laziest country in the world. However, it is worth noting that the issue of laziness is relative and can be influenced by a variety of cultural, economic, and social factors. For example, people in poorer countries tend to be more active due to walking longer distances and having more physically demanding jobs. In contrast, individuals in high-income countries often have sedentary lifestyles and are more reliant on public transportation.
In conclusion, while Australia may not be the laziest country in the world, it is important to address the gender disparities in exercise habits and encourage all Australians to prioritize physical activity for their health and well-being. By celebrating female athletes, providing education on the benefits of exercise, and promoting equal opportunities for men and women to engage in sports and physical activities, Australia can strive to improve its overall activity levels and foster a healthier society.
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Australian physical activity in 2016
Australia has been described as one of the laziest countries in the world, with a large proportion of its population not engaging in sufficient physical activity. In 2016, it was reported that 30.4% of Australian adults did not reach the recommended level of physical activity for staying healthy, ranking 97th out of 168 countries in a World Health Organisation study. This issue is not unique to Australia, as physical inactivity is a global problem. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 1.4 billion people worldwide are not physically active, with 28% of adults aged 18 and above reported to be insufficiently active in 2016.
Physical inactivity is a key risk factor contributing to the disease burden in Australia. The Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that adults aged 18-64 years engage in regular physical activity, such as completing 30 minutes or more of physical activity five days a week. However, in 2016, it was found that 37% of Australian adults aged 18-64 did not meet these physical activity guidelines. This lack of physical activity extends to Australian children and adolescents as well. The latest data from 2011-2012 revealed that 83% of adolescents aged 15-17 did not meet the physical activity guidelines, and Australia's 2016 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth indicated that the majority of Australian children remained insufficiently active, with no significant change from 2014.
There are various factors influencing the physical activity levels of Australians. One factor is the lack of a comprehensive National Physical Activity Plan to encourage a cultural shift towards increased physical activity. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Australians' participation habits and motivations for exercising. Between 2020 and 2021, there was a decrease in people relying solely on sporting clubs or organised venues for exercise. However, there was an increase in people being motivated by mental health benefits, with a rise in those undertaking physical activity for mental health reasons.
Gender also plays a role in physical activity levels, with Australian women being less likely to engage in sufficient exercise than men. In 2016, about one-third of Australian women were not getting enough exercise compared to 27% of men. This gender disparity is also observed in younger age groups, with young males aged 15-17 years more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines than young females (9.9% vs 3.7%).
While Australia has a significant proportion of physically inactive individuals, it is not the laziest country. According to a 2020 report, the country with the lowest levels of physical activity was Kuwait, with 67% of its population failing to meet recommended targets. This was followed by American Samoa (53.4%), Saudi Arabia (53%), Iraq (52%), and Brazil (47%).
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Frequently asked questions
No, according to a World Health Organization study, 30.4% of Australian adults didn't reach the recommended level of physical activity for staying healthy in 2016. Australia ranked 97th out of 168 countries.
Indonesia is the laziest country in the world, according to a Stanford University study. The residents of Indonesia walk an average of 3,513 steps per day.
Cyprus, Portugal, Germany, and Italy are the laziest countries in Europe.
Hong Kong has the highest physical activity in the world, with residents walking an average of 6,880 steps per day.
