This Public Health England report by University of Derby says urgent action is needed to address stark inequalities in physical activity across the country.
The researchers have also warned that the pandemic and a rise in obesity has also exacerbated health differences, and steps must now be taken by public bodies responsible for commissioning, designing, and delivering opportunities for participation.
The PHE-funded report recommends that public bodies which commission physical activity need to understand the complexity between the many different groups with protected characteristics - such as age, sex or ethnic group - within their local communities in order to increase activity, and to improve health and wellbeing.
Their study analysed evidence gathered from Sport England’s Active Lives Survey from 2015-2019, which had already revealed levels of inactivity rising among different community groups.
According to the report, health behaviours may be replicated across protected groups because of factors which enable or are a barrier to opportunities for physical activity. These factors create inequalities between the different groups within our communities.