BRICS nations and the opportunities for community physical activity interventions

•Rapid urbanization and its environmental impact have led to challenges to health and well-being of residents in BRICS nations.•Physical activity should be a priority public health target for primary and secondary prevention because of the high prevalence of chronic diseases and cardiometabolic risk factors in BRICS nations.•BRICS nations can harness scientific evidence prospectively to promote environmental and policy supports for physical activity.•Physical activity interventions engaging the members of the community and that are culturally relevant are more likely to be effective.