The Irish are the second healthiest nation in the European Union, behind the Swedes, according to a new survey.
The survey of inhabitants among the EU's 15 members seems to confirm popular notions that people from southern Europe and the Mediterranean like to sit around while Scandinavians' idea of a good time is a nice run.
The Portuguese are far more likely to loll in front of the TV than head to the gym, making them the laziest people in the EU, while for six out of ten Swedes exercise is vital.
Close behind the Swedes as Europe's healthiest are the Irish (44 per cent), the Austrians (47 per cent) and the Finns (49 per cent). Other unhealthy nations include Belgium (72 per cent sedentary), followed by Spain and Germany at 71 per cent each.
While only 43 per cent of Swedes are described as having sedentary lifestyles, a whopping 88 per cent of Portuguese spend most of their time sitting down and get hardly any exercise, according to the study carried out by the University of Navarra in Spain.
One of the authors of the study, published in the International Journal of Epidemeology, said that the results should be a warning to people with unhealthy lifestyles.
"The study shows that inactivity is more common among those who are overweight, less well-educated or who smoke," said Mr Miguel Angel Martinez, adding that sedentary lifestyles represent a serious health risk.
AFP