Adult Physical Activity Statistics

Early Release

Physical activity is among the topics covered by the NHIS Early Release Program, which publishes selected estimates from the NHIS on a quarterly basis. To access this information, click on the data year of interest (full or partial) and scroll down to "Leisure-Time Physical Activity."

Series 10 Reports

Physical activity estimates from the NHIS are published in selected NCHS Series 10 reports, including "Summary Health Statistics for U.S. Adults" (published annually) and "Health Behaviors of Adults" (published tri-annually).

NCHS Data Briefs

This new report series, introduced by NCHS in 2008, provides information about current health topics in a straightforward format. Future reports may include physical activity-related topics.

National Health Statistics Reports

This report series, introduced by NCHS in June, 2008, replaced the Advance Data Reports series. Future reports may include physical activity-related topics.

Advance Data Reports

Physical activity statistics have been published in selected reports. Click on the link above and review report titles to identify reports of interest. This report series was discontinued mid-year 2008 and was replaced with the National Health Statistics Reports series.

Health E-Stats

Health E-Stats are web-published NCHS reports that cover a variety of health topics, including physical activity.

Health, United States

This annual report to Congress contains one table showing estimates of leisure-time physical activity based on data from the NHIS Sample Adult interview. Leisure-time physical activity estimates were first included in the 2005 edition of Health, United States . Go to the most recent edition of Health, United States. Go the the PDF document titled "Trend tables." Then go to the section entitled "Health Determinants and Measures of Health." These files are large and may take some time to download.

Healthy People 2010

Physical activity is Focus Area #22. It is also one of the leading health indicators tracked by the Healthy People Program.

Healthy People 2020

Physical activity is among the national health objectives for the year 2020. Information about the objectives and progress toward meeting them can be accessed from the Healthy People website.