Research

Adherence

There is an average decline in leisure-time physical activity from age 13 to 23, with the decline being significantly greater in males than in females.

Expect a drop in activity as you move from adolescence to adulthood, but do not accept it as inevitable. The average decline is steeper for men, so men need to be more proactive about maintaining habits. The key is to recognize this trend early and intervene, especially if you are an inactive male.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
The findings suggest that the transition from adolescence to adulthood is, on average, a period of decline in physical activity, but with the decline levelling off into adulthood. The decline was significantly greater among males than females.
Lise Kjønniksen et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2008

Why this rating

Robust longitudinal design with 8 time points over 10 years.

Source

Tracking of leisure-time physical activity during adolescence and young adulthood: a 10-year longitudinal study

Lise Kjønniksen et al. · International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity · 2008

cohort · n=630Cited 249×
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