Physical activity and the prevention of chronic illness in the BRICS nations: Issues relating to gender equality

Highlights • More than 70% of all deaths in the BRICS countries are attributable to noncommunicable diseases. • There have been marked changes in physical activity levels, time use, and energy expenditure in these nations over the last 20 years. • There are marked gender differences in physical activity in 4 of the 5 BRICS nations, which largely reflect the overall gender inequalities in these countries.