Updated UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines find even small amounts of physical activity benefit health
Latest evidence highlights the importance of incorporating strength and balance activities throughout life, including those on GLP-1 agonists including for people taking GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss drugs.
Evidence is stronger than ever, showing health benefits increase with more time spent active, however the biggest gains in health are in moving from inactivity to any level of activity
The UK Chief Medical Officers have today published refreshed Physical Activity Guidelines, showing evidence continues to build that regular movement, no matter how small, can have significant benefits for people’s physical and mental health.
The updated guidance reflects the latest scientific evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, finding the existing recommended activity levels across all age groups to remain accurate. Findings include a renewed emphasis on the health benefits of light-intensity activity, reducing prolonged periods of sitting, and including strength and balance exercises as part of everyday life. Those on GLP-1 agonist drugs to combat obesity need to maintain muscle strength.
The guidelines cover all stages of life, including children and young people, adults, older adults, disabled people and women during pregnancy and after birth. They reinforce the message that building activity into everyday routines can help improve health and wellbeing. The new evidence base on the positive effects of physical activity in women is stronger than in previously.
Regular physical activity plays an important role in reducing the risk of a range of many long-term conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, while also supporting good mental health and wellbeing. By helping people build movement into everyday life, the refreshed guidance supports the government’s ambition to shift healthcare from treating illness to preventing it.
The refreshed guidance also recognises that physical activity does not need to take place in long or structured sessions to have a positive impact. Walking to the shops, wheeling, taking the stairs, dancing, gardening, active play and household tasks can all contribute towards improving health when carried out regularly.
The UK CMOs, Professor Chris Whitty, Professor Michael McBride, Professor Gregor Smith and Professor Isabel Oliver, said:
“We are delighted to be publishing the updated UK CMO physical activity guidelines, with new and stronger supporting evidence on the key role physical activity plays in improving and maintaining health in adults. The evidence has strengthened for women. Evidence continues to show that if physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent or treat. It is now clear that even small amounts of physical activity produce important benefits compared to none, and the benefits steadily increase up to the recommended 150 minutes a week.
“The evidence of the need to maintain strength and balance as we age, which may require different sorts of physical activity, including those on GLP1-agonist drugs for weight management or diabetes has strengthened.
“New evidence also highlights the benefits of physical activity for health far outweigh the risks in many groups who might be concerned about this, including for people living with disability and most long-term conditions.”
Alongside the publication, the Department of Health and Social Care is releasing a suite of updated resources, including infographics and communications materials, to help organisations promote the guidance consistently. These resources are intended to support professionals working across health, education, local government, sport and the voluntary sector to encourage people to build movement into their daily lives in ways that work for them.
The updated evidence reinforces that making small, sustainable changes can deliver meaningful health benefits over time, supporting healthier lives and helping to prevent a range of long-term health conditions.
Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, said: “Physical activity is one of the closest things we have to a wonder cure. Whether it’s a walk to the shops, a bike ride, a jog or a game of football, moving more improves our physical and mental health, helps us stay independent for longer, and connects us with the people and places around us.
“Making it easier and more enjoyable to be active, especially for those who need it most, has the power to change lives. It strengthens families, communities and, ultimately, our nation. These updated guidelines give people clear, evidence-based advice on what we’re aiming for and how to build more movement into everyday life. They will play an important role in helping more people enjoy the benefits of being active, creating a healthier, happier and more resilient nation.”
Andy Taylor, CEO of the Active Partnerships National Organisation, said: ”These refreshed guidelines are a reflection of the growing evidence that all movement is beneficial, but they also remind us that the greatest opportunity lies in supporting those people who are currently the least active.
“By listening to communities, understanding the specific barriers that people face in different places, and collaborating with them to find solutions that work for them, we can help more people benefit from being active.
“Across England, the Active Partnerships Network connects and collaborates with partners in different sectors such as health, local government, education, transport, the voluntary sector, as well as community sports organisations and local communities, turning national guidance into local action.
“Together, we can use this evidence and the guidelines to reduce health inequalities, build healthier communities, and ensure more people have the opportunity to lead active lives.”
