The exercise that millions of Britons currently rely on may be undone by habits like sitting
Britons who meet the 150 minutes of recommended exercise weekly may still be falling short of optimal health, according to new guidance released by the UK's four Chief Medical Officers.
Fresh recommendations highlight that meeting the NHS target offers reduced benefits when combined with long periods of sitting.
Professor Chris Whitty has urged those with a sedentary lifestyle or remote working arrangements to increase their daily movement.
The report states 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 equally warned that "prolonged sitting is harmful even in people who achieve the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity".
Hybrid working arrangements were flagged as another factor inadvertently reducing physical activity for Britons.
Chris Whitty told the briefing: "Without wanting to exaggerate, I think it's important people think through hybrid working means quite a lot of people could very easily do very little other than leave their homes, where previously people would be routinely going to work, and that often meant at least some physical activity."
He also pointed to online shopping as a key factor enabling people to stay put when they would previously have ventured out to buy their goods.
Though he stressed the developments weren't bad, they have caused daily movement to become less common than in previous years.
Sir Chris also acknowledged a lack of existing research into the health effects of remote working, anticipating that such evidence would emerge over time.
The guidance carries significant implications for the growing number of weight loss jab users on treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Weight-loss jab users face a greater risk of muscle loss alongside fat, making weight training particularly important.
"It's very important that they maintain their strength and balance over time to maintain their ability to keep muscle mass," Sir Chris explained.
Strength-building activities are recommended on at least two days a week, whether through lifting weights or using resistance bands.
The latest guidance is based on research involving 30 million participants, which demonstrated that regular activity reduces the risk of dying from any cause.
The evidence highlights particularly strong protective effects against cardiovascular disease, stroke and certain cancers.
Chairman of Sport England Chris Boarman endorsed the findings, noting: "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 job, or a game of football, moving more improves out physcial and mental health, helps us stay independent for longer, and connects us with the people and places around us."
