Omari Gates
Australians are increasingly recognising the importance of physical activity for their health and well-being. The National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 and the National Obesity Strategy 2022-2022 both emphasise the importance of physical activity in preventing and managing health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. While there has been a decline in sufficient physical activity among Australians between 1997 and 1999, recent data shows an increase in participation, especially among women and young people. This shift in behaviour may be attributed to the pandemic, as individuals sought to maintain their physical and mental health during lockdowns and restrictions.
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What You'll Learn
More men than women meet physical activity guidelines
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2022, 24.9% of men and 19.9% of women met the physical activity guidelines. This is a slight increase from 2017-2018, when 17.0% of adults met the guidelines. While the number of men and women meeting the guidelines has increased, the gender gap has remained consistent.
There are several factors that may contribute to this disparity. One factor is the difference in motivation for exercising between men and women. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, an increase in physical activity participation was driven by women, particularly in activities such as recreational walking and bushwalking. However, in 2022-2023, the frequency of physical activity participation among women dropped back to pre-pandemic levels, while men's participation remained relatively stable. This suggests that women may be more influenced by external factors, such as pandemic restrictions, than men.
Another factor that may contribute to the gender disparity in physical activity is the impact of parenthood. Women with at least one child at home were found to be 20% less likely to be sufficiently active than those without children. This could be due to the additional time and energy demands of childcare, which may leave less time for physical activity.
Additionally, there are differences in physical activity levels across different age groups. In 2022, one in twenty (5.6%) young people aged 15-17 met the physical activity guidelines, with young males more likely to meet the guidelines than young females (9.9% vs 3.7%). This disparity continues into adulthood, with 24.9% of males and 19.9% of females meeting the guidelines in the 18-64 age group. However, the gap narrows among older adults, with one in three (33.4%) people aged 65 and over meeting the guidelines, regardless of gender.
Overall, while there has been an increase in the number of Australians meeting the physical activity guidelines, men continue to outperform women. This disparity may be influenced by factors such as motivation, parenthood, and age. Understanding these factors can help inform strategies to encourage and support women's participation in physical activity.
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Obese adults are less likely to reach sufficient activity levels
Obesity is a significant public health concern, with one-third of adults in the United States classified as obese. Obesity is defined by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 and above. Obese adults in Australia were 50% less likely to reach sufficient activity levels than those of healthy weight. This disparity in physical activity levels between obese and healthy-weight individuals can be attributed to various factors.
One factor is the relationship between physical activity and weight maintenance. Long-term studies have consistently shown a correlation between recreational activity levels and weight gain. For example, the Harvard cohorts revealed that individuals who increased their recreational activity levels gained less weight over time compared to those who decreased their activity levels. Additionally, the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study found that each additional 30 minutes of walking per day was associated with reduced weight gain in men and women.
Sedentary behaviour, such as watching television or sitting at work, has also been linked to an increased risk of obesity. The Nurses' Health Study found that each additional two hours of television watching per day was associated with a 23% increase in the risk of obesity, even after adjusting for other factors such as age, smoking, diet, and physical activity. Prolonged sedentary time decreases energy expenditure and leads to a displacement of light-intensity physical activities, potentially resulting in weight gain over time.
Furthermore, obese individuals may face additional challenges when it comes to engaging in physical activity. Orthopedic risks, such as arthritis, and pulmonary and cardiac conditions, are more prevalent among obese individuals, making it more difficult for them to participate in certain types of exercises. Additionally, obesity-related comorbidities, such as cardiometabolic conditions, metabolic disease, and heart failure, may further hinder their ability to engage in sufficient physical activity.
It is important to note that physical inactivity is the ninth leading preventable cause of ill health and premature death. The Australian National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030 and the National Obesity Strategy 2022–2032 aim to increase physical activity and prevent, reduce, and treat overweight and obesity in the country. These strategies recognise the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of obesity-related health complications.
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Older Australians are less likely to be active than younger people
According to a 1999 survey, older Australians were less likely to participate in 'sufficient' physical activity than younger people. This trend has continued in recent years, with data from 2022 showing that only one in three (33.4%) people aged 65 years or over met the physical activity guidelines. This is compared to one in five (22.4%) adults aged 18-64 years who met the same guidelines.
There are several factors that may contribute to this disparity in physical activity levels between older and younger Australians. One factor may be the increase in physical inactivity that comes with age. Between 1997 and 1999, the average number of times per week that Australians participated in physical activity declined, with the greatest increase in physical inactivity among those aged 30-44 years. This trend has continued in recent years, with data from 2004-2005 showing an increase in the proportion of those 65 years and above who are sedentary, particularly among those 75 years and older.
Another factor may be the impact of socioeconomic status on physical activity levels. Adults aged 18 and over living in areas of most disadvantage were less likely to engage in physical activity than those in areas of least disadvantage. This may be due to a lack of access to resources and opportunities for physical activity in disadvantaged areas. Additionally, adults with lower educational attainment were less likely to engage in physical activity than those with a bachelor's degree or higher.
The type of physical activity may also play a role in the disparity between older and younger Australians. Walking for physical activity is most common (around 54%) among those aged 55-74 years, but it decreases to 35.7% for those aged 75 and over. This may be due to mobility issues or a lack of access to safe and convenient walking areas for older adults.
To promote physical activity among older Australians, the Australian Government has commissioned a project to develop physical activity recommendations specifically for older people. These recommendations will aim to support increased physical activity among older adults, including those with co-morbidities and in the 'old-old' age group. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the value of physical activity for maintaining health, function, and quality of life.
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Awareness of health benefits of exercise has increased
The awareness of the health benefits of exercise has increased among Australians. This is evident through the increase in physical activity undertaken by Australians, with a particular increase in activities such as recreational walking and bushwalking, which are associated with higher participation by women. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that in 2022, one in five (22.4%) adults aged 18-64 years met the physical activity guidelines, an increase from one in six (17.0%) in 2017-18.
The benefits of regular physical activity are well-known, including the prevention and management of health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Physical activity is also essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This knowledge has likely contributed to the increase in physical activity participation among Australians.
The Australian government has also recognised the importance of physical activity in maintaining the health of its citizens. The Department of Health and Aged Care has developed physical activity and exercise guidelines for all Australians, providing evidence-based recommendations for the minimum amount of physical activity required for health benefits. These guidelines acknowledge that different amounts of physical activity are required at various stages of life to achieve maximum health benefits.
The National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 further outlines a long-term approach to preventive health, including targets to increase physical activity and reduce physical inactivity, which is the ninth leading preventable cause of ill health and premature death. The National Obesity Strategy 2022-2032 also aims to increase physical activity and reduce obesity in Australia.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in increasing awareness of the health benefits of exercise. During the pandemic, many Australians changed their exercise habits and motivations, with an increasing number of people recognising the mental health benefits of exercise. While the pandemic presented challenges to staying active, particularly for children, it also provided an opportunity for people to discover new forms of physical activity, such as recreational walking.
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More people are exercising for mental health benefits
In Australia, there has been a notable shift in the exercise habits and motivations of its citizens, with an increasing number prioritizing mental health benefits. This trend was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many Australians turned to exercise as a means to enhance their mental well-being.
The mental health benefits of exercise are significant and wide-ranging. Firstly, exercise boosts mood and overall emotional well-being. It can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation by providing opportunities for social interaction and support. Additionally, exercise improves sleep quality, which is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Research suggests that physical activity stimulates the release of "feel-good" chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins, which contribute to improved mood and reduced stress.
Exercise also enhances concentration, alertness, and overall cognitive function. It can help individuals manage negative thought patterns and improve their sense of control, coping ability, and self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving fitness goals can have a positive impact on mental health. Furthermore, exercise can serve as a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and provide an outlet for frustrations or stressful experiences.
The physical benefits of exercise are equally important for individuals with mental health issues. People with mental health concerns are at a higher risk of developing chronic physical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and asthma. By engaging in regular physical activity, individuals can reduce this risk and improve their overall physical health, which positively impacts their mental well-being.
It is worth noting that any form of exercise is beneficial, and it doesn't have to be strenuous or time-consuming. Leisurely activities such as walking, stretching, yoga, or even household chores can have a positive impact on mental and physical health. Australians are encouraged to incorporate moderate physical activity into their daily routines, with recommendations aiming for a total of 2.5 to 5 hours per week.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no evidence to suggest that people in Australia work out more. In fact, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 77.6% of people aged 18-64 did not meet the physical activity guidelines in 2022.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 22.4% of adults aged 18-64 met the physical activity guidelines in 2022. This is an increase from 17.0% in 2017-18.
The amount of exercise recommended in the physical activity guidelines varies depending on age. However, the guidelines outline that adults should aim to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, and reduce the time spent sitting or lying down.
Regular physical activity is essential for good physical and mental health and wellbeing. It can help prevent and manage health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Additionally, it can contribute to achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
