National Policy on Physical Activity and Body Practices in the SUS: The Time is Now!

Abstract

This essay discusses the importance and the need to implement a National Policy on Physical Activity and Body Practices (PNAFPC) within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), addressing the historical background and the challenges of this agenda. Although body practices and physical activity have been included in various official documents from the Ministry of Health - such as the Health Promotion Policy and the Strategic Plan for Non-communicable diseases - the absence of a specific national policy has hindered the full development, sustainability, and consolidation of programs such as Academia da Saúde and the Federal Physical Activity Incentive. Based on scientific evidence, international recommendations, and accumulated experience in programs and actions in Brazil, it is argued that the creation of the PNAFPC may strengthen equitable access to physical activity and body practices as a right, while contributing to disease prevention and health promotion. In view of the current political scenario and considering the increase in public funding for the promotion of these practices within SUS, we conclude that there is an important window of opportunity for the formulation and enactment of the PNAFPC, emphasizing the importance of social participation and intersectorality in this process.