The unsolved problem of paediatric physical inactivity: it's time for a new perspective

The troubling consequences of physical inactivity during childhood and adolescence are a constellation of cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal and psychosocial risk factors and diseases that are difficult to treat, challenging to manage and costly to individuals and society. Worldwide, 81% of youth (11-17 years) do not meet the recommended 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily and the global cost of physical inactivity is estimated to be INT$ 54 billion per year in direct health care (1). The far-reaching physical, psychosocial and economic consequences of pediatric physical inactivity will continue to have profound effects on population health, medical care and quality of life far into the future. This public health crisis is a 'youthquake' of such magnitude that it will shake our entire society. It should also shake clinicians into action. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.