Olympic Games, the pandemic of physical inactivity and exercise as medicine

Abstract

The current pandemic of a sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity is closely related to the global increase in obesity and other
chronic diseases. More than five million deaths per year have been estimated to be due to inactive lifestyles. Tackling the threat of
the physical inactivity pandemic is fundamental for the future of effective, affordable and sustainable health systems. Global public health action is therefore urgently needed. The staging of Olympic Games has often been justified by the promise of a physical activity and health legacy. However, the claim that the Olympics result in beneficial lifestyle changes is not supported by studies conducted following major multi-sport events. Nevertheless, the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 may become an exception to the rule of a failed Olympic health legacy. A policy of the Chinese government has set the target of attracting more than 300 million people to winter sport activities. The policy entails the construction of a new winter sport infrastructure as well as attempts to support the existing national fitness programme and to bring healthier lifestyles to the general population. In consequence, China has seen a substantial growth in participation in ice and snow activities. However, this promising development will not be self-propelling, and the government-led top-down implementation of winter sport needs to be supplemented by long-term policy interventions. Changing the complex behaviour of physical activity requires an effective population strategy as well long-term commitment, coordinated policy and integrated investment. Chinese sports experts have called for a greater emphasis on promoting sports participation to boost national health initiatives. Thus, China has shifted its sports focus from winning medals to improving mass fitness. The current Chinese health agenda, emphasising the prevention of chronic disease, may generate innovative solutions, including harnessing Olympic effects, and may set an example for public health systems worldwide.