Systems approaches to global and national physical activity plans

A key driver for promoting physical activity is reducing the global burden of noncommunicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. These diseases are responsible for more than 41 million deaths annually, of which a third occur before the age of 70 years.1 Physical activity has multiple positive impacts on noncommunicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and breast and colon cancer,2 as well as numerous social and economic benefits including reduced use of fossil fuels, cleaner air and less congested, safer roads. All these effects are closely linked to several sustainable development goals.3 However, policy actions have been insufficient and uneven, and government strategies to increase physical activity have not consistently increased the proportion of the adult population meeting recommended levels of activity.4 Without significant scaling of efforts at local, regional, national and international levels, the global targets for physical activity are unlikely to be achieved.