"This is because 50 percent of the population is sedentary," Manuel Dayrit said in a recent news conference organized to draw attention to the celebration of World Health Day today.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said some two million die each year from ailments linked to the sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity, with the problem even more serious in Asia.
Shigeru Omi, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific noted that as countries urbanize, more people hold desk-bound jobs, children prefer computer games to the playground, and they ride cars, buses or trains instead of walking, one of the cheapest forms of exercise.
"An alarming number of us are actually obese and may not know it. An epidemic of inactivity has resulted in increasing rates of obesity," Omi said in the news conference. "Today, six out of 10 people die from conditions that were rare only a few decades ago – heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer."
Health officials agree that in rapidly growing cities, physical inactivity is an even greater problem.
"Crowding, poverty, crime, traffic, low air quality and a lack of park, sports and recreation facilities and sidewalks make physical activity a difficult choice," they said.
WHO found out that physical activity levels are also decreasing among young people in countries around the world, especially in urban poor areas.
"It is estimated that less than one-third of young people are sufficiently active to benefit their present health and well-being," Omi said.
Diseases linked to inactivity, tobacco, use and poor diets now account for six of every 10 deaths.
"The problem has eclipsed communicable diseases," WHO regional adviser on health promotion Gauden Galea said.
WHO is launching a global campaign this year to encourage people to take time out for health by engaging 30 minutes of any type of physical activity.
The UN agency urged governments across the region "to provide safe places for physical activity for people of all ages." – AFP