Expert Raises Concerns Over Growing Impact Of Sedentary Lifestyles

Founder and chief executive officer of i-Fitness Gym & Wellness Centre, Foluso Ogunwale, has raised concerns over the growing impact of sedentary lifestyles on public health in Nigeria.

Ogunwale warned that the trend is fast becoming a major crisis, particularly in urban areas.

At a forum in Lagos yesterday, he noted that prolonged sitting, reduced physical activity and increased screen time are contributing to a steady decline in Nigerians’ overall health.

Recent studies show that physical inactivity among Nigerian adults has risen sharply. This shift, largely driven by urbanisation and the move away from agrarian livelihoods to more sedentary occupations, has significantly increased the risk of non-communicable diseases across the country.

Health experts say the consequences are far-reaching, with inactivity linked to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. About 40 per cent of Nigerian adults are estimated to be living with hypertension, while roughly five million people are affected by diabetes.

In addition, prolonged sitting has been associated with musculoskeletal problems, certain cancers, and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Ogunwale stressed that prioritising wellness is critical not only for individual health but also for economic stability and national productivity. He explained that regular physical activity, including simple habits such as walking, dancing, and maintaining a balanced diet, can help prevent chronic diseases, improve mental well-being, and reduce the financial burden of medical treatment.

Speaking during the opening of the company’s 30th branch in Abuja recently, Ogunwale also explained that making fitness more accessible will help create a healthier, more productive, and economically active workforce.

He added that i-Fitness, founded eleven years ago and now operating a chain of fitness centres across the country, has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s economic and physical well-being. According to him, the new facility located in the heart of Games Village, Abuja, is the company’s third outlet in the Federal Capital Territory and a significant step in its nationwide expansion plan.