AUSTRALIA is one of the laziest countries in the world, new data has revealed. A study released by the Global Observatory for Physical Activity yesterday revealed Australia is significantly behind its Western peers in terms of appropriate physical activity levels. Of the 131 participating countries, Australia ranked 94 for physical activity. Third World countries top scored while Germany came in at 26, the US at 58 and England 79. 
The study also found more than 10 per cent of deaths in Australia are directly related to inactivity. The current worldwide average is 9 per cent.
Heart Foundation Queensland healthy living manager Sheree Hughes said the disturbing results confirmed the need for a national physical activity action plan.
"Our lifestyles are more automated now so we don't need to move as much physically during the day," she said.
"We are calling for a national plan so at the very highest levels people understand we need to be moving more." Queensland ranks slightly better than the national average with 60 per cent of adults sufficiently active.