US, Saudi Arabia & India Rank among top laziest nations in the World. Stanford University recently conducted a study that uncovered surprising insights into global inactivity by analyzing data from over 700,000 people across 46 countries.
Using smartphones to track daily steps, the study, published in the journal Nature, highlighted significant disparities in physical activity worldwide. It revealed that some countries have alarmingly low average daily steps, indicating a highly sedentary lifestyle.
The study ranked countries based on daily pedestrian activity, listing the most inactive nations. Fortunately, Pakistan did not appear on the list of the laziest countries.
Here are the countries with the most sedentary lifestyles:
Indonesia
Indonesia tops the list with an average of just 3,513 steps per day. Urban congestion and limited pedestrian infrastructure contribute to the low activity levels. The study emphasizes the need for better public health initiatives to encourage physical activity.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia ranks second, with an average of 3,807 steps per day. The hot climate and cultural factors lead people to stay indoors, especially during the scorching summer months, resulting in a more sedentary lifestyle. The government is promoting physical activity through public awareness campaigns.
Malaysia
With an average of 3,963 steps per day, Malaysia’s urbanization and preference for motorized transport are key reasons for low physical activity. High traffic congestion in major cities discourages walking. Public health initiatives and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure development are suggested to boost activity levels.
Philippines
The Philippines averages 4,008 steps per day, placing it among the less active countries. Urbanization and socio-economic factors contribute to this trend. Cities like Manila and Cebu face challenges like high traffic congestion and limited pedestrian infrastructure. Experts recommend promoting walking and cycling to increase physical activity.
South Africa
South Africa ranks fifth, with an average of 4,105 steps per day. The country’s diverse geography and socio-economic disparities lead to varying levels of physical activity, with urban areas being less active than rural ones.
Egypt
Egypt averages 4,315 steps per day, placing it on the list of most inactive countries. The hot climate and urbanization contribute to low activity levels. High traffic congestion in major cities calls for awareness campaigns and the development of pedestrian-friendly spaces to improve activity.
Brazil
Brazil averages 4,289 steps per day, with urban areas like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro showing lower activity levels compared to rural regions. Public health campaigns and the creation of recreational spaces are suggested to encourage more physical activity.
India
India also ranks among the most inactive countries, with an average of 4,297 steps per day. Urbanization and lifestyle changes significantly contribute to low activity levels. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore show a noticeable decrease in physical activity as residents increasingly rely on motorized transport.
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Mexico
Mexico averages 4,692 steps per day, placing it among the less active nations. Urbanization and socio-economic factors are key contributors to this trend, with cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara facing challenges such as high traffic congestion and limited pedestrian infrastructure.
United States
The United States ranks 10th, with an average of 4,774 steps per day. Despite being a developed country, the prevalence of sedentary jobs and reliance on cars for transportation contribute to low activity levels. Cities like New York and Los Angeles show significant variations in activity, with some neighborhoods being more walkable than others. Public health policies are increasingly focused on promoting workplace wellness programs to encourage more daily steps among Americans.
