According to the world's largest membership organisation of fitness professionals, IDEA Health & Fitness Association (IDEA), the worrying decline in fitness levels experienced around the world is 'not irreversible'.

The association has called for governments and policy makers to intensify their efforts to invest in preventive health care and for the role of exercise professionals to be clearly identified.

IDEA executive director, Kathie Davis, said: "Even though the statistics regarding fitness levels and obesity are extremely discouraging, there is still much to be hopeful and enthusiastic about, especially with the level of attention now being paid to preventive care.

"Even though policymakers and others are more willing than ever to change the way they look at health and healthcare spending, quite a few challenges exist that must be acknowledged and dealt with. As with any difficult issue, these are simply challenges awaiting solutions."

According to IDEA figures, in US alone, obesity and the resulting health issues of staff cost private companies US$45bn (£27bn, €30bn) every year.

Davis added that educating the public of the benefits of exercising is one of the corner stones in the fight against obesity, and fitness professionals will play a major role in delivering that message.

Founded in 1982, IDEA has more than 23,000 members in 80 countries. Details: www.ideafit.com.