Physical Inactivity and Sedentariness: Languorous Behavior Among Adolescents in 80 Countries

High rates of adolescent physical inactivity and sedentary behavior have been reported worldwide, but the combined prevalence of languorous behavior (physical inactivity and/or sedentary behavior) may more accurately reflect just how few adolescents meet World Health Organization recommendations.We analyzed nationally representative data from 325,219 students in 80 countries that participated in the Global School-based Student Health Survey between 2009 and 2018. Students were classified as physically inactive if they reported engaging in moderate or vigorous physical activity less than 60 minutes daily. Students were classified as being sedentary if they sat for three or more hours per day outside of school, such as when having screen time not related to studying. Statistics for each country were generated using complex samples analysis, then the results from all countries were synthesized.In total, 84% of students were physically inactive, 37% were sedentary, and 91% met the definition for the concept we are calling languorous behavior.Establishing specific evidence-based guidelines for increasing physical activity and decreasing sitting time will enable progress toward reducing languorous behavior among adolescents.