Counteracting the Inactivity Epidemic: Should We Ring-Fence Paid Work Time for Physical Activity?

<p dir="ltr">Physical inactivity is one of the most persistent public health chal-<br>lenges, with inactivity rates among the global population increasing<br>from 23% in 2000 to 31% in 2022.1–3 As modern society is<br>irrevocably geared toward making life more convenient, the physical<br>demands of daily living have been diminished.4 This shift has<br>contributed to the rise of long-term conditions including cardiovascu-<br>lar disease, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and depres-<br>sion.5,6 Subsequently, the burden on healthcare services is large,7 with<br>many individuals now spending more years in poor health.8 In the<br>United States, physical inactivity is associated with 11% of aggregate<br>healthcare expenditures, costing an estimated $117 billion per year. [Opening paragraph]</p>