Published December 2023
This summary highlights the key findings from the Scottish Health Survey 2022, Physical Activity chapter (chapter 9). The summary is structured in three sections:
- Adult physical activity
- Child physical activity
- Additional general health data.
In total, 4,394 adults (aged 16 and over) and 1,764 children were interviewed. Data tables and the technical report with additional information can be found here.
Adult physical activity
Overall, 65% of adults meet the recommended physical activity levels[1]. This is within the range of 62-66% recorded between 2012 and 2019, but lower than the proportion recorded in 2021 (69%). 28% of all adults adhered to both recommended physical activity and muscle strengthening levels[2].
Consistent with previous years, a higher proportion of men (70%) reported meeting recommended physical activity levels than women (60%).
As in previous years, younger adults were more likely than older adults to have met the MVPA guidelines. In 2022, 74% to 80% of those aged 16-44 met the guidelines, a proportion which decreased by age to 37% among those aged 75 and over. The least active group is women aged 75+; 28% met MVPA guidelines.
As in previous years, in 2022, the proportion of adults who met the MVPA guidelines was lowest among those living in the most deprived quintile (57%) and highest among those living in the least deprived quintile (73%). Similar patterns were evident among men and women.
The most common reasons given by all adults for participation in physical activities were to keep fit (not just to lose weight) (70%), to enjoy it (60%), to de-stress/relax/unwind (45%), to socialise (35%) and/or for health reasons/to improve health (32%). Similar patterns were evident among men and women.
Among adults who did not meet the MVPA guidelines, the most common reasons given were that their health was not good enough (41%), it was difficult to find time (22%) and not being interested (20%). These reasons did not differ significantly by age or sex.
Child physical activity
Overall, 69% of children meet recommended physical activity levels[3] including school-based activities, and 59% excluding school-based activities. In line with previous years, boys were more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels than girls, including school-based activities (72% of boys compared to with 62% of girls) and excluding school-based activities (56% and 66% respectively).
Overall, a higher proportion of boys adhered to the recommended physical activity levels in 2022. The variation was only significant among those aged 13-15, with a 22-percentage-point difference boys and girls (65% and 43% respectively). This variation has increased slightly from a 20-percentage-point difference in 2021.
General health data
The Scottish Health Survey also includes topics on mental health and wellbeing, general health, chronic pain, respiratory health, dental health, alcohol, smoking and diet and obesity.
- Adults describing their general health as ‘very good’ or ‘good’ has declined from 2021. 71% of men and 69% of women describe their health as ‘very good’ or ‘good’, compared to 77% of men and 73% of women in 2021.
- 81% of those in the least deprived quintile (SIMD 5) assessed their health as ‘very good’ or ‘good’. This decreased with increased area deprivation. 55% of those in the most deprived quintile (SIMD 1) assessed their health as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
- 93% of children described their health as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
- 48% of adults reported living with a long-term health condition.
- The proportion of adults feeling lonely ‘most’ or ‘all of the time’ increased between 2021 and 2022, from 8% to 11%. This was most prevalent among 16–24 year olds.
- 13% of adults and 4% of children reported that they had long-Covid.
- 67% of adults were overweight; 70% of men and 63% of women.
- 33% of children were considered at risk of being overweight.
[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.
[3] The moderate or vigorous physical activity guideline says that children and young people should engage in MVPA for an average of at least 60 minutes per day across the week. This can include all forms of activity such as physical education, active travel, after-school activities, play and sports.