Background

Physical inactivity is highly prevalent in most countries of the world and most likely is rising due to increased substitution of electrical and mechanical energy for human effort. For many individuals it is possible to exist at a low level of energy expenditure. According to FAO/WHO the minimum level of energy expenditure is a physical activity level (PAL) of 1.27 (8 hours of sleep and 16 hours of washing, dressing and standing at an average of 1.4 METs). This level of energy expenditure is not compatible with good health and function, and does not allow for energy to earn a living. A sedentary office worker will have a PAL of about 1.4. The sedentary worker can increase the PAL to 1.55 by 30 minutes of brisk walking per day, which will provide many health benefits. Even more activity, perhaps a PAL of up to 1.65-1.75 may be required for many individuals in order to prevent the development of obesity. As many as 20-30% of adults in many countries have a PAL of 1.4, which is not compatible with good health and substantially increases the risk of unhealthy weight gain and the development of obesity. The increasing number of adults around the world who are exposed to the hazard of low PAL is a major public health problem. Physical activity has an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity and in the overall preservation of health and function, and more emphasis needs to be given to the promotion of an active way of life in clinical, educational, occupational, and public health settings.

Mission

The mission of the TaskForce is to increase physical activity in countries around the world in order to reduce the burden of obesity. To accomplish the mission, the TaskForce will:

Document the prevalence of sedentary behaviour and appropriate physical activity levels in populations around the world in people of both sexes and all ages
Increase awareness of the importance of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of obesity
Evaluate the relation between levels of physical activity and obesity and related diseases and consequences
Facilitate development, identification, and dissemination of efficacious physical activity programs
In conjunction with the IOTF, promote and translate research on physical activity and obesity for application in clinical and societal settings
Support existing and future IASO/IOTF alliances with other professional, medical and scientific organizations concerned with obesity in order to increase physical activity levels and reduce obesity in populations around the world.

Organisation of the Task Force

The Task Force will be directed by a Steering Committee:

Peter Katzmarzyk, USA, Chair
Adrian Bauman, Australia
Steven N Blair, USA

Claude Bouchard, USA

William Haskell, USA

Vicki Lambert, South Africa

Victor Matsudo, Brazil

Nanette Mutrie, Scotland

Jean-Michel Oppert, France

Michael Pratt, USA

Hiroaki Tanaka, Japan

Willem van Mechelen, Netherlands