# Physical activity and mental health in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/physical-activity-and-mental-health-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-10-02T19:30:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Reports indicate high levels of physical inactivity in Brazil and its subsequent impact on mental health. An ASICS study found that 60% of Brazilians do not meet the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, with 35% engaging in less than 30 minutes per week. This sedentary behavior, often attributed to the convenience of digital services, correlates with lower mental well-being scores.

Data from the Covitel survey highlights that approximately 56 million Brazilians, or 26.8% of the population, suffer from anxiety. Medical experts suggest that regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or yoga, can serve as a tool for managing stress and anxiety by triggering the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins and dopamine. Specialists note that exercise can improve a person’s ability to handle discomfort and reduce rumination.

## Claims

- ASICS released the 2026 Movement Preservation Report based on a survey of 34,000 people in 31 countries. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Approximately 60% of Brazilians do not meet the WHO recommendation of 150 minutes of weekly physical activity. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- 35% of Brazilians engage in less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Brazilians spend an average of 88% of their waking hours, or about 14 hours a day, being practically immobile. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The study uses a 'State of Mind' indicator to measure the psychological impact of sedentary lifestyles. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Brazil ranks third among the populations with the lowest levels of movement in the study. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Brazilians meeting the 150-minute weekly goal had a mental well-being score of 74, compared to 63 for those exercising less than 30 minutes. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- If current trends continue, the global proportion of inactive people is expected to rise to 56% by 2035. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Physical activity aids mental health in Brazil

With 56 million Brazilians suffering from anxiety, physical activities like yoga, swimming, and walking are highlighted as vital tools for managing stress and improving mental well-being.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/physical-activity-aids-mental-health-in-brazil

### 2026-10-01: Brazil ranks third globally for low physical activity levels in ASICS report

A global ASICS report finds 60% of Brazilians fail to meet WHO physical activity guidelines, with many spending 14 hours a day immobile, impacting mental well-being scores.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-ranks-third-globally-for-low-physical-activity-levels-in-asics-report

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Cite as: Physical activity and mental health in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/physical-activity-and-mental-health-in-brazil