Prevalence and correlates of physical inactivity in adults across 28 European countries

Background: Physical activity/inactivity is impacted by a plethora of intertwined factors. There are a limited number of studies on physical activity/inactivity that provide a European cross-country perspective. This study aims to present the prevalence and correlates of physical activity in adults across the 28 European Union (EU) member states. Methods: This is a secondary dataset analysis of the Special Eurobarometer 472 data on physical activity. The cross-sectional survey was conducted during December 2-11 in 2017 across 28 European countries. The data consisted of similar to 1000 respondents aged >= 15 years per country. The current analysis was restricted to adults aged 18-64 years (n = 19 645). Results: More than one in three (36.2%, 95% CI: 35.1-37.3) adults in the EU were physically inactive, with substantial cross-country differences noted. Women were less likely than men to be adequately or highly physically active (aOR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.78-0.95). Similarly, adults at the age of 40-54 (aOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.52-0.81) and 55-64 (aOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.49-0.77) were less likely to have moderate or high levels of physical activity in comparison with those 18-24 years of age. Finally, high SES was positively associated with physical activity (aOR: 1.4, 95% CI: 1.16-1.69). Conclusions: A notable percentage of adults in Europe are physically inactive. Further research is needed to elucidate the factors behind the cross-country differences and identify potential policy actions that may support adopting a physically active lifestyle and decrease the inequalities related to physical activity across Europe.

Automated summary

Based on data analysis from 28 EU member states, over one-third of adults in Europe are physically inactive, with women, older individuals, and those with lower socioeconomic status more likely to have insufficient physical activity levels. Further research is needed to understand the reasons behind these differences and develop policies to promote physical activity and reduce inequalities across Europe.