More people, more active, more often – how North Wales can work together to tackle 'inactivity emergency'
December 19 2024
Everyone in North Wales can do their bit to help more people get more active more often, a report on the health of the region has found
The health board’s Executive Director of Public Health Dr Jane Moore used her annual report to warn the area faces an inactivity emergency – and urged more people who live and work here to exercise regularly.
Fewer than half of adults living in North Wales regularly do the amount of physical activity recommended by the Chief Medical Officer, while only one-in-six 11 to 16 year olds achieve the guideline 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day.
Dr Moore’s report calls on communities, employers and large organisations to help make it easier and more attractive to do more exercise – and says individuals can show leadership and influence friends, family and workmates through their own habits and behaviour.
Regular physical activity helps us to feel better and maintain a healthy weight, but can also improve our sleep and mental wellbeing. It can reduce loneliness and isolation, and help people to foster new connections and friendships.
Exercise can also have economic and environmental benefits. Having a healthy and active workforce increases productivity, while more active travel can decrease emissions, reduce congestion and lower noise pollution.
North Wales on the Move
Dr Moore said: “Here in North Wales, we are so fortunate to have easy access to nature and so many opportunities to be active right on our doorstep.
“But reliance on car travel, more and more screen time, a lack of safe and accessible spaces to play, sedentary work occupations, urbanisation of town and city centres, the cost-of-living crisis, poverty, and cultural norms have all contributed to rising inactivity levels.
“So, to improve our collective mental and physical health and realise the many wellbeing benefits of regular exercise, we all need to do more to make moving more easier and more attractive.
“The report identifies how we can build on the great work already being done by local authorities, many community organisations and local sports clubs and groups. This will mean working together to promote physical activity, developing planning approaches, policies and workplace practices which encourage people to be active, and providing help for people to overcome any barriers they face.
“Small changes can make a big difference. This is the start of our journey to get North Wales on the Move – and to create a region where people of all ages, genders and backgrounds take part in physical activity regularly.”
The health board is already working with our partners at Actif North Wales to showcase great ways to do more exercise, and develop new approaches to boost physical activity in the workplace and local communities.
The report also highlights some great examples of inclusive ways to encourage physical activity, including initiatives like parkrun, FIT Dragons and the WOW – Walk to School Challenge.
The North Wales Director of Public Health Annual Report for 2024 was approved by members of the health board at their meeting last month and is available to view here.
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