Being physically active is one of the most important things people can do to improve their physical and mental health. It prevents a range of non-communicable diseases, improves cognitive functioning and sleep quality, prevents falls, and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. Considering both the impact of the COVID‑19 restrictions on physical activity levels and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and mental health conditions, increasing physical activity is now more important than ever.

Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their physical and mental health and well-being. It helps prevent a range of non-communicable diseases and improves mental health and cognitive functioning, among other benefits.

Regular physical activity has a wide range of health and well-being benefits. This chapter provides an overview of these benefits. It also outlines the frequency, intensity, type and duration of physical activity that is recommended for different population groups. Finally, it describes the current policy measures that are in place in the European Union to encourage physical activity in the population.

Despite the health and well-being benefits of physical activity, many people in the European Union do not move enough. This chapter provides an overview of physical activity levels in Europe, and explores patterns and trends, such as differences across age, gender and socio‑economic groups. It also looks at the impact that the COVID‑19 pandemic has had on physical activity.

Increasing physical activity levels in the population can have a considerable impact on population health and on health care expenditures. This chapter quantifies the burden of current physical activity levels, and shows the potential impact of meeting recommended activity levels. It looks at life expectancy, incidence of non-communicable diseases, per capita and total health care expenditure, among other metrics. Two scenarios are modelled: meeting the minimum recommended physical activity level of 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity activity per week, as well as meeting the higher level of 300 minutes per week.

To increase physical activity levels in the population, a wide range of policy options exists. This chapter provides an overview of these policies, drawing on case studies from across the European Union. The chapter covers interventions in schools, workplaces, and in the health care setting, as well as communication and information policies, policies to increase access to sports facilities, and to change the environment to encourage active transport and outdoor activities. It advocates for a comprehensive, well-funded package of policies to get people moving.