A leading medical research journal, The Lancet, published a study that ranks countries of the world in order of their lack of physical activity.
This study was perhaps inspired by the anticipated tremendous physically challenging activities in the upcoming London 2012 Olympics.
The research was based on years of accumulative data from the World Health Organization (WHO), which follows the unhealthy lifestyles practiced by people around the world. WHO estimates that more than five million people die every year from adopting daily harmful practices.
The eye-catching segment of the report is the one that ranks Saudi Arabia as the third country, after Malta and Swaziland, as the least people who perform physical activities. Statistics show that 68.8 percent of Saudis failed to carry out any sort of exercise to stay in shape.
This prevalent laziness phenomenon is believed to be due to incorrect social behavior adopted by many individuals. Very few people walk, and the majority depend on cars in moving from one place to another. In addition to time spent excessively sitting motionless in front of TVs and computers makes it hard for their bodies to get the exercise needed to stay healthy.
More bad news as the report classifies the respectable ladies of the Gulf states to be the least active women in the world. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are among the top ten on the list, as women overcome men in the laziness game. This is reinforced by the misleading cultural belief in some areas that more honor is bestowed on women if given extra pampering.
The main aim of the report is to emphasize that lack of physical activity is no longer a phenomenon, but should be treated as an epidemic. It is taking more lives every year and causing deterioration in the health status of communities. The health bill cost can be reduced greatly if societies would adapt a more physically active lifestyle.
The WHO has recommended that people take up physical activities such as daily walking, cycling and performing activities around the house.
They advise that adults do at least the equivalent of 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise. This will help protect them against heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
It is also encouraging governments to put more attention on health awareness programs and provide public facilities that make it easier for people to do more physical activities. Which means that a lot of work should be done on our poorly designed civic spaces, sidewalks and pedestrian crossings points to make it a safe place for people to walk. In addition to creating more government subsidized fitness centers.