What proportion of adolescents are estimated to meet WHO guidelines on physical activity?

• A. 1 in 5
• B. 1 in 4
• C. 1 in 10
• D. 1 in 3

Answer: (A)

The correct answer indicates that approximately 1 in 5 adolescents meet the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on physical activity. This statistic underscores a significant public health concern, as the WHO recommends that adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day to promote health and well-being.

Recognizing that only a minority of adolescents meet these recommendations highlights the gaps in physical activity levels within this population. The low adherence rates (1 in 5) can be attributed to several factors, including increased screen time, sedentary lifestyles, and limited access to safe spaces for physical activity. This information is critical for health professionals and educators, as it suggests the need for targeted interventions and policies to encourage physical activity among adolescents, such as promoting sports, active travel to school, and community programs.

Contextually, the other proportions—1 in 4, 1 in 10, and 1 in 3—would imply a higher level of adherence to the physical activity guidelines than what statistics currently support. This discrepancy is essential in understanding the current state of adolescent health and the need for improvement in promoting active lifestyles.