Researchers examined Eurobarometer data from 96,948 adults in 26 EU nations collected in 2009, 2013, 2017 and 2022. Participants reported how often they engaged in sport or exercise, grouped as never, less than monthly, monthly (1-3 times) or weekly (at least once).
Overall, the share of people who never exercised rose from 41. 7% in 2009 to 45. 8% in 2022. Between 2009 and 2017 activity levels fell, with odds ratios of 0. 96 for 2013 and 0. 87 for 2017, before a modest rebound in 2022 (OR 0. 92). This creates a U-shaped pattern over the 13-year span.
The decline was strongest among women, those in middle age, and individuals living alone. Countries showing the steepest drops included Denmark, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Sweden.
The persistently high rate of inactivity suggests that EU pol