Published December 2022
This summary highlights the key findings from the Scottish Health Survey 2021, Physical Activity chapter (chapter 6). The summary is structured in three sections:
- Adult physical activity
- Child physical activity
- Additional general health data.
It should be noted that due to a change in data collection methods during the Covid-19 pandemic. Consistent with the Scottish Health Survey report, results from 2020 are not comparable and do not feature in this summary.
Adult physical activity
Overall, 69% of adults meet the recommended physical activity levels[1]. This follows the general upward trend in physical activity levels since 2012. 35% of all adults adhered to both recommended physical activity and muscle strengthening levels[2].
Consistent with previous years, a higher proportion of men (73%) reported meeting recommended physical activity levels than women (65%). Women’s physical activity levels increased by a significant four-percentage-point increase.
There are significant differences in physical activity levels recorded by sex among older groups. Overall, adults aged between 16 and 54 were more likely to have met the recommended physical activity levels than older adults. Among 16-24 year olds, more women (75%) met recommended physical activity levels than men (74%). Thereafter, women’s physical activity levels fall below men’s. The least active group was women over 75; 39% met recommended physical activity levels.
The extent of inequalities between age groups and physical activity levels varies, however, physical activity has continued to be highest among those in the least deprived quintiles and lowest among those living in the most deprived quintiles. Similar patterns were evident by sex.
Child physical activity
Overall, 71% of children meet recommended physical activity levels[1]. In line with previous years, boys were more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels than girls, including school-based activities (76% of boys compared to with 67% of girls) and excluding school-based activities (66% and 55% respectively).
Additional general health data
- 75% described their general health as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ (77% of men and 73% of women); 8% described their general health as ‘very bad’ or ‘bad’.
- 96% of children described their general health as ‘good or very good’.
- 47% live with a long-term health condition; 34% said this limits their day-to-day activities.
- 8% of adults reported feeling lonely ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’ last week. This was higher for younger people.
- 5% of all adults reported having long COVID; 1% said that it limits their activity levels a lot.
- 67% of adults were overweight; 70% of men and 64% of women.
- 18% of children were considered at risk of obesity.
[1] The moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guideline says that adults should undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or an equivalent combination of the two per week.
[2] The muscle strengthening recommendations say that adults should undertake at least ten minutes of exercise causing the muscles to feel some tension, shake, or feel warm on at least two days per week.