Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Australians of all ages are not doing enough physical activity for optimal health. 
  • Over a third of the total burden of disease experienced by Australians could be prevented by tackling modifiable risk factors such as increasing your level of physical activity.
  • Physical inactivity is responsible for 2.5% of total diseases and 5.2% of total deaths in Australia.
  • The sedentary nature of our lifestyle can also lead to poorer health outcomes – around 90% of Australian children engage in screen-based activities (24% spend more than 20 hours and 40% spend between 10 and 19 hours on screen time each week).
  • National guidelines recommend Australian adults do 2 ½ to 5 hours of moderate intensity physical activity, or 1 ¼ to 2 ½ hours of vigorous intensity physical activity each week, or an equivalent combination.
  • It is also recommended that adults do muscle strengthening activities on at least 2 days per week.

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 22-06-2023