The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines set out the evidence for how much and what kinds of physical activity we need to do to keep ourselves healthy. They have now been updated to include additional guidance on being active during pregnancy and after giving birth, and for disabled adults.
In children and young people, regular physical activity is associated with improved learning and attainment, better mental health and cardiovascular fitness, also contributing to healthy weight status. In adults, there is strong evidence to demonstrate the protective effect on physical activity on a range of many chronic conditions including coronary heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes, mental health problems and social isolation. Regular physical activity can deliver cost savings for the health and care system and has wider social benefits for individuals and communities. These include increased productivity in the workplace, and active travel can reduce congestion and reduce air pollution.
