The UK's Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have released updated guidance on physical activity, providing recommendations for the amount and type of exercise people should aim for to improve their health. This year's update reflects the latest research on adult physical activity since 2019, building on the previous guidelines published in 2019.
Professors Chris Whitty, Isabel Oliver, Michael McBride, and Gregor Smith, the CMOs for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland respectively, hosted a Science Media Centre briefing to share the latest guidance with journalists. They were joined by Frances Burnett, a Public Health Registrar from the Department of Health and Social Care.
The updated guidelines will help health professionals, policymakers, and those working to promote physical activity and sport to provide evidence-based advice to the public. By following these recommendations, adults can reduce their risk of chronic diseases and improve their overall health.
Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, highlighted the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. He noted that the updated guidelines provide a clear message for the public, emphasizing the benefits of regular physical activity for both physical and mental health.
The updated guidelines are expected to have a significant impact on public health, with the CMOs urging people to make physical activity a priority in their daily lives.
What this means for you: The updated guidelines provide a clear message for adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, as well as more strenuous exercises like running or high-intensity interval training.