ONE in three people do so little exercise their health is at risk, warns the World Health Organisation.
Laziness is putting about 1.8billion adults worldwide in danger of type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, stroke, cancer and dementia.
The WHO says people should do at least 2.5 hours of moderate exercise each week – just 22 minutes per day – but 31 per cent of people fail to do so.
Dr Rüdiger Krech, WHO director of health promotion, said: “Physical inactivity is a silent threat to health.
“It contributes significantly to the burden of chronic diseases.
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“We need to find new ways to motivate people to be more active.
“By making physical activity accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for all, we can significantly reduce the risk of diseases and create a population that is healthier and more productive.”
The research, published in The Lancet Global Health, found 19 per cent of UK adults do not exercise enough.
It ranks us fitter than the USA on 34 per cent and France with 23 per cent, but less healthy than Sweden with nine per cent or Germany with 12 per cent.
Two thirds of Brits are overweight and rates of dementia, cancer and type 2 diabetes are on the rise.
The WHO report said levels of inactivity rose five per cent between 2010 and 2022 and will continue to increase without action.
Women and over-60s typically exercise less than men.
WHO director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “These new findings highlight a lost opportunity to reduce cancer, heart disease and improve mental well-being through increased physical activity.
“We must reverse this worrying trend.”
