According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than a quarter of the world’s population is at risk of health problems due to inadequate physical activity.

Not getting enough exercise increases health risks like heart disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer. Around 1.4 billion people worldwide are at risk, according to a WHO report.

It also said that women are less likely to exercise than men worldwide. However, there are exceptions in two regions of Asia.

WHO researchers surveyed 18 countries and compiled a research report for The Lancet Global Health.

About 1.9 million people took part in the study. Who gave researchers their daily exercise data.

According to the research report, in high-income countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, the rate of exercise has decreased compared to 2001.

In those countries, the exercise rate among the people in 2001 was 36 percent. In 2016, which has decreased to 32 percent.

In low-income countries, the situation has not changed much. In both cases the numbers are close to 18 percent.

With the exception of East and Southeast Asian countries, women exercise less than men worldwide.

In South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and high-income western countries, the gap between male and female exercise rates is much wider.

Researchers have blamed various social and religious rules and regulations for this. For example, women have to take more responsibility for child care and due to various religious reasons, it becomes difficult for women to exercise.

In developed countries, the rate of exercise or physical activity is declining due to the type of job and hobbies, the researchers claimed in the report. In addition, they believe that the increase in the use of vehicles compared to public transport in those countries.

In low-income countries, on the other hand, people often commute to work on foot or by public transportation.