Physical Activity Promotion : the perspective of the Medicalisation Studies

Physical inactivity is one of the main concerns of the global health agenda. This article assesses at both the theoretical and the empirical level the research question (How) Does the health system medicalise the promotion of physical activity? The promotion of physical activity is first theoretically considered against the background of the medicalisation studies. Afterwards, the article empirically analyses the characteristics of physical activity recommended in 25 health strategies issued by the ministries of health in Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, and the United States of America. The content of these documents medicalises physical activity, because: it treats the problem of physical inactivity as a disease; it redefines the concept of "healthy physical activity" in medical terms and it creates key functions for health professionals in this area. The conclusion critically discusses the description of the promotion of physical activity as a phenomenon of medicalisation. [Publisher's text].