European Healthy Lifestyle Actions

ongoing

"""Physical inactivity is a global epidemic” as it is the fourth leading risk factor for mortally globally (Kohl et al. 2012, Lacet Jul 21; 380). In Europe 50% of adults are overweight and 20% are obese. Sedentary lifestyle and dietary changes play an undeniable role in the emergence of obesity. This condition leads to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, some form of cancers and cognitive dysfunction. These are societal chronic diseases a real public health problem at the European level. The World Health Organization (WHO) (2019) recommends at least 150 min of moderate activity or 70 min of vigorous activity per week to provide health benefits. Several studys stresses that physical activity contributes to improve body composition, image, metabolic level, and cardio respiratory capacity, helping to prevent diseases such as morbidity, hypertension, etc. (González-Carcelén et al., 2018; Jodra et al., 2019) and it also produce positive psychological effect contributing to reduce the levels of anxiety and depression (Chan et al., 2019). Despite several general health campaigns about the benefits of physical activity, these campaigns have had a limited impact and success and evidence a gap between the discurs (theory) and the practice (increase physical activity). The Project aims to overcome this gap by raising awareness from a practical perspective, helping the health and sport community to incorporate successfull iniatives. The EHLA Project aims to identify and analyse three most innovative masures to boost physical activity and define a methodology to facilitate the incorporation of these measures into the activites and strategies of relevant stakeholder. This method and innovative measures will be tested and disseminated through the organisation of a learning awareness campaign with the aim to raise concerning about physical activity. Thus, the campaign aims to present evidences and explore experiences gained through different initatives and best practices."