A new study has highlighted the need for Thai people to exercise more in order to maintain good health.
According to Department of Health Director-General Dr Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, the study was conducted jointly in 2021 by the Public Health Ministry’s Department of Health and the International Health Policy Program office, with information gathered from 78,717 individuals in 77 provinces.
The report revealed that Thai people have become predominantly sedentary, with 76% of individuals sitting for seven hours or more each day. However, approximately 72% of them spend a sufficient amount of time, about 150 minutes or more per week, engaging in physical activities in accordance with World Health Organization standards.
One factor contributing to the decline in physical activity has been the shift in working conditions, as the workforce has moved from the agricultural or industrial sector to office-based work. As a result, the risk of early death or non-communicable disease has risen due to the low rate of energy expenditure.
Although some individuals exercise or participate in recreational activities to offset their sedentary office lifestyle, this is not always the case. Those in urban areas have more access to facilities such as walkways and public transportation, allowing them to spend more time engaging in physical activities compared to their rural counterparts.
Dr Suwanchai emphasized that by increasing physical activity levels, Thais can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses. (NNT)
