The UK Chief Medical Officers have released new guidelines, reinforcing the evidence that being physically active plays a vital role in improving and maintaining health through every stage of life.
The message is simple – moving more, sitting less and making activity part of everyday life can have a lasting impact on both physical and mental wellbeing, something which is core to our purpose here at Activate West Wales.
What the new guidelines recommend
- Children and young people should aim for 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
- Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
- Older adults are encouraged to include activities that improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility, alongside regular movement.
The guidance also highlights the health risks associated with spending long periods of sitting and inactivity. Sedentary behaviour like sitting while watching television, reading, working on a computer and playing video games are all linked to several health conditions, including coronary heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Lack of physical activity can also contribute to mental health problems and social isolation.
Making movement part of everyday life
A key takeaway from the updated guidance is that physical activity is most effective when it becomes part of everyday life. Simple activities like walking to the local shops, taking the stairs instead of the lift, cycling for short journeys, gardening, or playing with children can all contribute towards a healthier lifestyle. The more enjoyable and accessible these activities are, the more likely they are to become lasting habits.
The UK Chief Medical Officers, Professor Chris Whitty, Professor Michael McBride, Professor Gregor Smith and Professor Isabel Oliver explain:
“If physical activity were a drug, it would be considered a miracle cure. Even small amounts of activity can deliver significant health benefits. 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.”
Supporting a more active community
Jamie Rewbridge, CEO of Activate West Wales, welcomed the updated guidance:
“It’s incredibly encouraging to see the updated Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines reinforcing the message we are championing across West Wales. By aligning our messaging at every level, from policy and planning through to community delivery, we can create the conditions that make physical activity a natural, accessible and achievable part of daily life for everyone. The guidance adds real weight to our shared ambition of a more active West Wales and strengthens the collaborative approach needed to turn that vision into reality.”
Jamie also highlighted the importance of encouraging small, achievable changes:
“We want these guidelines to help inspire the healthier, happier and more connected West Wales we are working to create. Our research shows that more than half of adults are overweight or obese, but positive change doesn’t have to start with big steps. Every opportunity to move more matters. By helping people build physical activity into their everyday routines and environments, we can make a lasting difference to health, wellbeing and quality of life across our communities.”
Get active today
Whether it’s taking a short walk, joining a local activity group, or simply finding more opportunities to move throughout the day, every step counts.
Discover how you can get active and find opportunities in your local area by visiting https://activate.wales/.
