31% of adults is the headline reference in this brief.
The WHO physical activity fact sheet reports that 31% of adults worldwide did not meet recommended levels in 2022, as defined on that source. This is global population context, not a local audience estimate. A source-expiry audit prevents a useful statistic from becoming detached from its date, definition, or geography.
Key stats and scope
Every claim record should include exact wording, source URL, publisher, population, measure, reporting period, access date, and editor. A page that changes its headline or denominator should return to editorial review even if its URL still works.
Key takeaways
- Treat a working link as necessary but not sufficient evidence.
- Recheck geography, population, period, denominator, and definition.
- Keep a change note when wording changes.
- Remove claims that no longer have an attributable source.
Evidence table
| Check | Pass condition | Action when it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Link | Intended publisher resolves | Find official replacement |
| Scope | Population and geography stated | Rewrite or remove |
| Period | Reporting period visible | Add context |
| Definition | Measure matches article | Escalate to editor |
Run the audit
Start with claims in titles, introductions, statistics cards, and social copy. Compare the source with the saved citation record. Note whether it is a page, table, PDF, or secondary summary. Preserve the prior claim and review note when wording changes. An assistant can find broken links and missing dates; an editor decides whether the article remains accurate. Do not silently change a local metric to match a public statistic.
Sources and limits
WHO, CDC, and HHS provide public activity sources. FTC guidance is relevant to protecting information in editorial workflows. None establishes local demand or a promised outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Does a source need a fixed expiry date?
Not always. It needs a documented review rule suited to the source and claim.
Who approves a changed statistic?
The editorial owner should approve scope, wording, and citation changes.
What happens when a source disappears?
Find an authoritative publisher replacement, document the change, or remove the unsupported claim.
Related research
Compare with /research/fitness-content-source-register-method and /research/physical-activity-content-planning-benchmark.
Discuss the workflow
Book a free call to discuss source registers and review queues. The call is about workflow fit, not a traffic promise.
Frequently asked questions
What does the 31% of adults figure mean on this page?
It is the headline benchmark described in the article and attributed to the listed primary source. Read the definition, date, population, and limits before applying it to a fitness business.
How should a fitness team use this research?
Use it as a documented reference beside the team's own operating records. It does not replace local data, coaching judgment, medical advice, or a qualified professional's decision.
What can a fitness virtual assistant do with the source record?
An assistant can maintain source links, verification dates, definitions, and exception queues. The business owner or qualified professional keeps policy, coaching, health, legal, and financial decisions.
Discuss your fitness administration workflow
Bring the current process, handoff points, and exceptions. We will help you decide which administrative work is suitable for remote support.
Book a free call