A sweeping new analysis from Washington University in St. Louis has found that global progress to promote physical activity — a proven driver of better health — is in danger of stalling or reversing. Shrinking public health budgets, fraying international cooperation and surging military spending are siphoning resources away from prevention efforts.
The paper, “Global Progress in Physical Activity — Gains and Growing Threats,” was published in the July 2025 print issue of the Journal of Physical Activity and Health and authored by Rodrigo S. Reis, a professor at the WashU School of Public Health. Reis reviewed six decades of global physical activity research, policy and practice.
“The world has built a foundation for active, healthier societies,” Reis said. “We must not let short-term political priorities erode long-term health gains.”