The World Health Organization estimated that about 240 million adolescents ages 11 to 17 had no active days in a week, based on survey reports, highlighting a persistent global health gap.
The 240 million figure is an extrapolation from survey responses, rather than a direct count. WHO estimated that one in four adolescents worldwide had no day meeting the 60-minute threshold in the previous week. An active day requires at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity, so zero active days does not mean no movement at all.
The estimates draw on hundreds of population-based surveys covering more than 3.2 million adolescents in 140 countries and territories. The research appeared in The Lancet Global Health. WHO said adolescent activity had remained virtually unchanged over the past 15 years.
WHO estimated that adolescents worldwide averaged 2.7 active days per week. Fourteen percent were estimated to meet the daily benchmark on all seven days.
Girls were less active in the estimates: 28% had zero days meeting the threshold, compared with 22% of boys. Daily activity was reported by 11% of girls and 17% of boys. WHO said the gap appeared in nearly every country and region.
Country figures also varied. WHO estimated that 40% of adolescents in Namibia, Nepal and the Philippines had no active days; in Bangladesh and Serbia, more than 30% were active daily.
WHO linked activity patterns to everyday conditions, citing transport options, safe places to be active, school environments, social norms and lifestyles centered on screens. It warned that too little activity raises the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
The agency urged countries to make activity easier and safer to include in daily life. It said streets, schools and communities can shape whether young people have practical chances to move and play.
