Physical activity is crucial for preventing lifestyle-related diseases. However, approximately 80% of teenagers and 30% of adults do not meet recommended physical activity levels. Despite WHO member states’ commitment to reducing physical inactivity by 15% by 2030, current trends indicate this target is unlikely to be met. This underscores the urgent need for new and effective strategies to increase physical activity.

The reasons why people are, or are not, physically active are complex, and there is no simple solution. Team Physical Activity is therefore adopting a systems approach, working to better understand how physical activity is influenced by many interacting factors, such as urban design, transportation policies, cultural norms, as well as individual agency and motivation.

By bringing together experts from different research fields and engaging key partners, including government agencies, community groups, and local authorities, the team aims to understand how the various factors must interact to increase physical activity across the life-span. Our goal is to provide key insights that will help create healthier communities where people of all ages can lead active and healthy lives.