Surveillance of Physical Activity: Actions Needed to Support New Federal Guidelines

[Extract] Physical activity can provide important health benefits for persons in virtually every segment of the population. That is the core premise underlying the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, Second Edition (PAG).1 The 2018 guidelines were informed by an exhaustive review of the scientific evidence linking higher physical activity to a remarkable number of health benefits,1 ranging from better bone health in preschoolers to enhanced functional status in older persons with multiple chronic conditions. Unfortunately, most Americans do not meet the PAG, and there are profound disparities in physical activity across demographic groups.2 Hence, for the bulk of the population, even a modest increase in physical activity would provide demonstrable health benefits. Limited progress has been made in increasing physical activity in the United States,1 and this points to the need for comprehensive and well-resourced public health initiatives aimed at helping millions of Americans move toward meeting the PAG.