Information for health professionals

The role of physical activity in health

In the United Kingdom, physical inactivity is the fourth greatest cause of ill health. It is responsible for one in six deaths, which is equivalent to smoking. Importantly, up to 40% of long-term conditions could be prevented if everyone met the UK Chief Medical Officer’s physical activity recommendations.

We know that 27% of the general population are classified as ‘inactive’, meaning they do less than 30 minutes of physical activity (such as walking) per week. 33% of children do less than half the recommended physical activity for their age. 

The inactive are at high risk of developing long-term health conditions, a situation that is worsened by the fact that when they develop illness, they generally become even less active.

In children and young people physical activity plays an important role in preventing the onset of mental ill health and improves the mental wellbeing, quality of life and self-esteem of children with long-term conditions.