Saudi Arabia’s 2024 Physical Activity Report: Over Half of Adults Engage in Regular Exercise, but Children Remain Inactive
Islamabad:Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Statistics has released its 2024 report on physical activities, revealing that 58.5% of adults aged 18 and above engage in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. However, the report highlights a concerning trend among children and teenagers, with only 18.7% of those aged 5 to 17 spending 60 minutes or more daily on physical activities.
### Physical Activity Comparison Between Men and Women
The report also compares physical activity levels between men and women. It shows that men are more physically active than women, with 23.2% of men participating in regular physical activities, compared to just 14% of women. Additionally, the rate of physical activity among foreign nationals in Saudi Arabia is higher at 62.5%, compared to 54.1% among Saudi citizens.
### Physical Activity Across Different Age Groups
The data reveals that individuals between the ages of 30 and 39 are the most active, with 62.6% of them achieving at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. In contrast, only 12.2% of people aged 80 and above engage in similar levels of activity.
### Children and Teenagers: High Inactivity Levels
The inactivity rate among children and teenagers is concerning, with 35.3% of them spending three or more hours daily in sedentary activities such as watching TV or using electronic devices. Interestingly, the activity level among foreign children is slightly higher than that of Saudi children, with 19.4% of foreign children being active for 60 minutes or more daily, compared to 18.5% of Saudi children.
### Types of Activities and Regional Comparisons
Walking and cycling are the most popular forms of physical activity among adults, with 56% of adults engaging in these activities. Recreational activities followed at 39%, while work-related physical activities accounted for 31%. Regionally, the Al-Baha region showed the highest rate of physical activity among children and teenagers, with 30.4% of them spending 60 minutes or more daily on physical activities. On the other hand, the Riyadh region had the lowest participation rate, with only 14.7% of children and teenagers being active for the same amount of time.
### Importance of the Report
This report is a crucial tool for understanding the state of physical activity in Saudi Arabia and will serve as a guide for improving public health. The findings are based on data from national health surveys and surveys focused on women and children’s health, reflecting the lifestyle choices and health habits prevalent in Saudi society. The report emphasizes the need for greater efforts to promote physical activity, particularly among children and older adults, to ensure a healthier future for the country’s population.
