The Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association – EMEA published a new White Paper under the title: Exercise Adherence for Wellbeing: Barriers, Practices and Strategies. The paper underscores the critical role of exercise adherence in improving mental health and overall well-being. It highlights the global challenge posed by sedentary lifestyles, which contribute to significant public health concerns.
Current statistics reveal alarming trends: over half of adults and 81% of adolescents fail to meet recommended physical activity levels, with sedentary behaviors linked to approximately 5.3 million deaths annually. Additionally, by 2035, more than 50% of the global population is projected to experience overweight or obesity.
The document emphasizes the mental and physical benefits of exercise, such as reduced risks of chronic diseases, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced mental resilience. Exercise serves as a natural antidepressant and cognitive enhancer by promoting endorphin release and brain plasticity. However, despite these benefits, sustaining regular physical activity remains a significant challenge.
The paper seeks to explore the connections between exercise and mental health, identify barriers to maintaining exercise routines, and propose actionable strategies for improving adherence. It aims to guide policymakers, healthcare institutions, and community leaders in fostering environments that support mental health and well-being through consistent physical activity.
This White Paper is the outcome of a working group coordinated by EMEA in 2024. The working group had several online meetings to discuss the different sections of the paper. Members of the Working Group include:
- José Luís Trejo, Head of Lifestyle and Cognition group at the Instituto Cajal-CSIC Madrid
- Felipe Isidro, Professor of Physical Exercise, INEF Barcelona
- Rym Ayadi, Founder and President of Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA), and co-founder of Brain Capital Alliance
- Javier Beltran, Founder of Rockfit
- Enrique Villamore Martín, Promoter of Physical Movement and Exercise for Health
- Magali Outters, Senior Sustainability Expert at the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)
- Isabel Lorenzo, Associate Researcher at the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)
- Tiago Zibecchi, Researcher at the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)
- Beatriz Crespo, Founder and CEO at Freedom and Flow
- Marta Sanchez Bret, Director We-Mind Cluster
- Harris Eyre, Executive Director at the Brain Capital Alliance and Member of the Advisory Board at the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA)
