Refreshed physical activity guidelines published by the UK Chief Medical Officers
The UK Chief Medical Officers have published refreshed physical activity guidelines.
The guidelines cover all age-groups and detail the amount and type of physical activity that should be incorporated into daily life. The needs of people who are older, frail and disabled are included, and dementia is mentioned.
The UK CMOs, Professor Chris Whitty, Professor Michael McBride, Professor Gregor Smith and Professor Isabel Oliver, say:
“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 for those on GLP1-agonist drugs for weight management or diabetes, has strengthened.
New evidence also highlights that 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.” The guidelines, infographics and more information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/physical-activity-guidelines-uk-chief-medical-officers-report/uk-chief-medical-officers-physical-activity-guidelines