Promoting physical activity in the Americas.

Physical inactivity, obesity, and noncommunicable disease rates are rapidly climbing to epidemic proportions and are becoming the leading causes of death and disability in the Americas and globally. The causes are complex and will require a multifaceted, multisectoral approach. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization adopted a broad-ranging process to develop a Global Strategy for the Promotion of Diet, Physical Activity, and Health, as mandated by the World Health Assembly in May 2002. The results of the yearlong effort are to be presented at the World Health Assembly in May 2004.