Physical activity

Regular physical activity such as walking, cycling, or dancing not only makes you feel good, it has significant benefits for health. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers, helps control weight, and contributes to mental well-being. Taking part in physical activity also increases opportunities for making friends and feeling part of the community.

Promoting cycling can save lives and advance health across Europe through improved air quality and increased physical activity 03-06-2021

On World Bicycle Day, celebrated on 3 June, WHO highlights a new master plan that calls countries to acknowledge cycling as an equal mode of transport and to double the level of cycling by 2030.

Self-quarantine advice

Stay physically active during self-quarantine

Resource package for planning healthy and sustainable meetings

See resource package

Publications

Physical activity factsheets for the 28 European Union Member States of the WHO European Region (2018) See all publications

Infographic

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Data and statistics

21-25%

Number of breast and colon cancers worldwide that are caused primarily by physical inactivity

More data and statistics

HEPA Europe

HEPA (European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity) is a network which works for better health through physical activity among all people in the WHO European Region.