Global adolescent inactivity reaches 240 million young people
Approximately 240 million adolescents worldwide reported being inactive on every day of the week in 2025, according to a new study published in The Lancet Global Health. A new global study reveals that the global average for physical activity among 11- to 17-year-olds stands at just 2.7 active days per week. This figure has remained unchanged between 2010 and 2025, even as international health targets seek to increase movement among young populations.
Researchers defined an active day as one involving at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. This standard aligns with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, which include activity performed at school, during commutes, or during leisure time. While the WHO aims to reduce the number of adolescents failing to meet this daily 60-minute threshold by 15% by 2030, the study found that no country or region is currently on track to meet that goal.
Gender and income gaps drive activity disparities
The study identified significant differences in activity levels based on both gender and economic status. Globally, boys averaged three active days per week, while girls averaged 2.4 days. Data showed that girls’ activity levels tend to decline as they grow older, which widens the gap between genders. The authors of the study noted that these disparities are largely driven by structural factors, such as the capacity of wealthier nations to fund physical activity policies and build infrastructure like safe walking networks and public open spaces.
Economic status also dictated how often adolescents moved. In wealthier regions—including Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, East Asia, the Pacific, and high-income Western nations—adolescents averaged four active days per week. In these areas, between 6.9% and 7.7% of youth reported no activity at all. Conversely, in lower- and middle-income regions such as Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, North Africa, Oceania, South and Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, the average dropped to approximately two active days per week. In these regions, inactivity rates ranged from 22.7% to 33.1%.
Regional activity levels varied significantly across the globe:
| Region/Country Type | Average Active Days Per Week | Inactivity Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Most Active (Finland, Canada, Serbia) | 4.5 – 4.8 | Not specified |
| Least Active (Cambodia, Jordan, Madagascar) | 1.7 – 1.9 | Not specified |
Barriers to movement for adolescent girls
The research suggests that existing interventions are failing to reach a significant portion of the adolescent population. To address the widening gap between boys and girls, the study authors suggested that programs must tackle specific social and environmental barriers. These include restrictive gender norms, safety concerns, and a lack of suitable activities tailored to girls.
The authors emphasized that because adolescence is a critical period for long-term health, governments must prioritize making schools and neighborhoods more conducive to movement.
What counts as an “active day” for a teenager?
An active day is defined as any day where an adolescent reports at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. This includes activity done during school, while traveling, or during free time.
Which countries have the most active adolescents?
According to the study, adolescents in Finland, Canada, and Serbia are the most active, averaging between 4.5 and 4.8 active days per week.
Why is there a difference in activity between boys and girls?
The report indicates that girls’ activity levels often decrease as they age. The authors suggest this is influenced by factors such as safety concerns, restrictive gender norms, and a lack of appropriate activities.