Could this be the way to practice the world?

In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined an ambition goalReducing the rate of global physical activity by 10 percent compared to the levels of 2010 by 2025. The deadline has finally reached – and despite many public health campaigns and efforts to take advantage of the sporting excitement of multiple Olympic Games, people move less than ever.

Delay DataFrom 2022, it indicates that 31 percent of adults around the world do not meet physical activity guidelines, an increase of 5 percent of 26 percent in 2010. 81 percent Do not move enough. We are not only missing goals – we wander around them.

So, what is the error that happened? From the policy of public health to urban design issues, there are many complex ways to criticize current strategies. However, some experts take a step back to ask a more fundamental question: Are we promoting physical activity all this time?

For years, public health campaigns have relied heavily on the narration of “exercise is medicine” to enhance physical activity. We have all heard over and over again: Be active if you want to prevent diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is a message based on Strong scientific evidenceAnd you think the promise of good health is the best possible incentive.

However, Benjamin Regby, a public health researcher at Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, and his colleagues are arguing in a conversation Opinion This is only a frame of framing as a way to prevent excessive simplification of the disease why people choose to be active. “The truth is that people are moving for several other reasons that have nothing to do with avoiding the disease,” says Regby. “We want to play, laugh, to explore, to dance, [and] We feel proud of ourselves. Ultimately, enjoy and feel satisfied. “The exclusion of these other positive motives from public health messages may be the reason why people do not contact them.

An increasing number of studies supports this idea of turning the spotlight away from health -focused accounts. When researchers from Edinburgh University In the United Kingdom its analysis 123 studies on correspondence of physical activity, and concluded that health reasons are not necessarily what motivates people to get off the sofa. The most effective messages on short-term bonuses arise to be active-such as feeling satisfied, or reducing stress or enjoying friends-not to threaten the disease on the line.

How can messages focus on the immediate benefits of physical activity in the campaign? some Researchers He suggested phrases such as “a small movement for a little mood improvement” to highlight the mental well -being, or “physical activity is an opportunity to communicate with others” to capture the social meeting based Motives.

strong certificate He also explains that people are more likely to stay active when it’s fun. Enjoyment associated with Young people are constantly involved in sports. And remember Pokémon Go? This madness was the most part of its users. 1473 steps per day On average, just because they were excited to “arrest everything”. Looking at the evidence, why are public health messages not closely with the motives that focus on enjoying?

Adherence to health -based novels has a strong attractiveness to institutions. Its effects are more measurable, and they are accurately within the dangerous tone that we expect from official messages. But with the next 2030 goal of reducing physical activity by 15 percent of the 2010 levels looming on the horizon, this is the moment for radical change. It is time to stop describing physical activity as a bitter bee and start selling it as an opportunity for fun, exploration and communication.

Dawn Teh is an independent health writer in Australia

Topics: