Study reveals Europe's highest-risk countries for physical inactivity
A new 2026 study reveals Greece has the highest risk of health problems linked to physical inactivity in Europe. See which countries made the top 10 and why sedentary lifestyles are becoming a growing concern:
For years, conversations about sedentary lifestyles in Europe have tended to focus on office workers in wealthy northern nations, hunched over laptops and spending long hours at desks. But a new studysuggests the problem is much broader and perhaps more surprising—than many imagined. According to a June 2026 report by wellness supplementscompany Ben’s Natural Health,Greece has emerged as the European country facing the highest health risk linked to physical inactivity, highlighting a growing challenge that stretches across different cultures, economies and working environments. The findings arrive at a time when almost half of Europeans report that they never exercise or take part in sports, raising fresh questions about how modern lifestyles are reshaping public health. A surprising leader in inactivityThe study analysed data from Eurostat and the World Health Organization, examining average daily sitting time, obesity rates, remote work trends and the percentage of adults who do not participate in physical activity. Greece ranked first, earning a Sedentary Living Risk Score of 65. 5 out of 100. Residents spend an average of 338 minutes—or nearly five hours and 40 minutes sitting every day. More concerning is that 37. 5% of adults report no regular physical activity, while nearly 29% of the population is classified as obese. Interestingly, Greece has one of the lowest rates of remote work among the countries studied, with only 5. 2% of workers operating from home. That challenges a common assumption that working remotely is the main driver of inactivity. Cape {town} Etc Discount Alert!Unlock Cape Town’s best experiences for half the price! From unforgettable adventures to hidden gems and mouthwatering restaurants, these limited-time deals won’t last long. Snag your discount before they’re gone!The Netherlands spends the longest sittingComing in second is the Netherlands, a country often celebrated for cycling culture and active lifestyles. Yet Dutch residents spend the longest time seated among the top 10 countries—around 394 minutes, or six and a half hours, every day. The Netherlands also records the highest proportion of remote workers in the ranking, with nearly 39% of employees working from home. Researchers say the rise of hybrid and remote work may contribute to prolonged sitting, especially when exercise and movement are not deliberately built into daily routines. Malta battles obesity and inactivityMalta ranked third and stood out for a different reason. More than 41% of adults there report not participating in sports or exercise, the highest inactivity rate among the leading countries. At the same time, Malta has the highest obesity rate in the top 10, with nearly one in three residents classified as obese. The country’s combination of inactivity and health challenges pushed it near the top of the rankings despite residents spending less time seated than some of their European counterparts. Central and Eastern Europe also feature prominentlyThe Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Germany, Slovakia, Cyprus, Hungary and Estonia rounded out the top 10. The Czech Republic recorded one of the highest average sitting times at 340 minutes a day, while Bulgaria showed high levels of inactivity despite lower obesity rates. Germany, meanwhile, ranked sixth, reflecting how sedentary lifestyles are increasingly becoming a continent-wide issue rather than one confined to specific regions. More than a workplace problemHealth experts say the findings reveal an important lesson: inactivity is not solely about office culture or remote work. A wellness expert from Ben’s Natural Health noted that countries such as Greece, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic are not typically associated with sedentary work cultures. Yet the data shows that low remote-working rates do not necessarily translate into more active lifestyles. Instead, the challenge may lie in how people spend their free time. Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into!Click here to join!Also read:Global study finds diet not inactivity drives the obesity crisisPicture:Mart Production / Pexels