Faith, culture and physical activity: addressing participation barriers in UK Muslim communities

Background
There are nearly four million Muslims in the UK, making them the largest religious minority in the country. They also have the youngest age profile of any faith group, with almost half under 25 years old,1 yet are disproportionately affected by socioeconomic disadvantage with around 39% of Muslim households being in the most deprived areas of England and Wales.2 Muslims have been present in Britain since at least the sixteenth century, with significant migration following the Second World War. Today, the Muslim population is highly heterogeneous, comprising communities of South Asian, Black African, Arab and White British heritage, alongside multiple generations born in the UK. Levels of religious observance, cultural practices and socioeconomic circumstances vary widely within this population.

Despite this diversity, national surveillance data suggest that Muslims report lower levels of physical activity compared with other faith groups in England.3 Lower physical activity levels are of public health relevance given the higher prevalence of cardiometabolic conditions reported in several Muslim-majority ethnic groups in the UK, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.4 Understanding how structural disadvantage, experiences of discrimination, and faith-related practices may intersect to influence physical activity behaviours is therefore important for Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) clinicians and policymakers working to promote equitable participation.