Portugal faces low physical activity and preventive health spending

Recent data from Eurobarometer and Eurostat highlight significant challenges regarding public health and physical activity in Portugal. According to Eurobarometer, Portugal has the lowest rate of sports participation in the European Union, with 68% of respondents stating they do not engage in any physical activity. This contrasts sharply with Northern European countries like Finland and Denmark, where inactivity rates are much lower. The primary obstacles cited by Portuguese citizens for lack of exercise are a lack of motivation (39%) and time constraints due to professional or family obligations (31%).

In terms of healthcare spending, Portugal allocates only 2.3% of its current health expenditure to preventive measures, which is below the European average of 3.7%. A study coordinated by the NOVA Center for Global Health and the Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública placed Portugal 7th out of 11 analyzed countries in the European Health Prevention Index. While the country shows strengths in vaccination and screenings, researchers identified weaknesses in health literacy and the application of data and Artificial Intelligence for prevention. Experts suggest a need for better institutional coordination and increased investment to address these gaps, especially given Portugal's aging population.