Leveraging Exercise is Medicine On Campus Programs to Promote Activity to Equity-Deserving Groups

Abstract

Despite the well-known benefits of leading an active lifestyle, global adherence to physical activity recommendations is low. Individuals who are from marginalized groups, including racialized populations and those with a low socio-economic status, are more physically inactive compared to those who identify as white or who have a higher income. The differences in physical activity level by socio-demographic characteristics reflect inequitable access to lifestyle resources. Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) is a unique international post-secondary initiative that aims to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management on university/college campuses and within their local communities. EIM-OC programs currently exist on every continent, with the majority of chapters existing in North America. This provides EIM-OC a unique opportunity to address inequities in physical activity promotion. This commentary provides perspective on traditional EIM-OC program offerings, highlights learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommends strategies to increase the inclusivity of future physical activity programming.