The Global Burden of Disease attributable to low physical activity and its trends from 1990 to 2019: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease study

Abstract

IntroductionLow physical activity (LPA) is associated with several major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and premature mortality. In this study, we aimed to assess the global burden and trends in disease attributable to LPA (DALPA) from 1990 to 2019.MethodsAnnual age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and death rates of DALPA [all-cause and five specific causes (ischaemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, colon and rectal cancer, and breast cancer)] by sex, age, geographical region and social deprivation index (SDI) score from 1990 to 2019 were available from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2019. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to quantify the changing trend. A generalized linear model (GLM) was used to explore the relationship between DALYs/death rates of DALPA and sociodemographic factors.ResultsGlobally, in 2019, the age-standardized DALYs and death rates of DALPA were 198.42/100,000 (95% UI: 108.16/100,000–360.32/100,000) and 11.10/100,000 (95% UI: 5.66/100,000–19.51/100,000), respectively. There were 15.74 million (8.51–28.61) DALYs and 0.83 million (0.43–1.47) deaths attributable to LPA. Overall, age-standardized DALYs and death rates presented significant downward trends with EAPCs [−0.68% (95% CI: −0.85– −0.50%) for DALYs and −1.00% (95% CI: −1.13– −0.86%) for deaths] from 1990 to 2019. However, age-standardized DALYs and death rates of diabetes mellitus attributable to LPA were substantially increased [EAPC: 0.76% (95% CI: 0.70–0.82%) for DALYs and 0.33% (95% CI: 0.21–0.51%) for deaths]. In the 15–49 age group, DALPA presented significant upward trends [EAPC: 0.74% (95% CI: 0.58–0.91%) for DALYs and 0.31% (95% CI: 0.1–0.51%) for deaths]. The GLM revealed that higher gross domestic product and current health expenditure (% of GDP) were negatively associated with DALYs and death rates of DALPA.ConclusionAlthough global age-standardized DALYs and death rates of DALPA presented downward trends, they still cause a heavy burden worldwide. These rates showed upward trends in the diabetic and 15–49 age groups, which need more attention and health interventions.

Evaluating the global impact of low physical activity on type 2 diabetes: Insights from the global burden of disease 2019 study

“…The association between LPA and T2DM has been widely acknowledged, and it has been found that physical inactivity contributes to 6.9% of the burden of T2DM 15 . The correlation between LPA and T2DM is further supported by the increasing prevalence of physical inactivity globally.…”

Underrated aspects of a true Mediterranean diet: understanding traditional features for worldwide application of a “Planeterranean” diet

“…Globally, the number of deaths due to low physical activity have been estimated to almost reach 1 million in 2019 [ 237 ]. Nonetheless, the benefits of adequate physical activity span from cardio-metabolic outcomes to mental health, leading to an overall prolonged life and fewer years of life lost due to disability [ 238 ].…”

Urban-rural differences in the association between occupational physical activity and mortality in Chinese working population: evidence from a nationwide cohort study

“…In 2019, an estimated 15.7 million disability-adjusted life years and 832,000 deaths were attributed to low physical activity globally. 1 , 2 Although extensive studies have purported the health benefits of physical activity in any form and intensity, 3 this notion is challenged by an increasing body of evidence distinguishing the health benefits associated with leisure time physical activity from occupational physical activity (OPA). The latter, at a high level of intensity, seemed to be harmful in some cases.…”