WHO: 1.4 billion worldwide are at risk due to lack of exercise

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More than a quarter of the world's population are not exercising enough, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report published in The Lancet Global Health, a figure that's barely improved over the last 15 years.

The report, covering 1.9 million participants from 168 countries, representing 96 percent of population, has highlighted several worrying trends, including a stark divide in exercise rates between poor and rich nations, and between men and women.

According to the data, the prevalence of insufficient exercise in high-income countries was more than double the prevalence in low-income countries in 2016. On top of that, women were also reported to be less active than men, with the exception of East and Southeast Asia.

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Dr Regina Guthold, the study leader from WHO in Switzerland, said: "Unlike other major global health risks, levels of insufficient physical activity are not falling worldwide, on average, and over a quarter of all adults are not reaching the recommended levels of physical activity for good health."

Insufficient physical activity exposes people to serious diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and even cancer.

"Insufficient physical activity is a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases, and has a negative effect on mental health and quality of life," said the report.