'Couch potatoes' urged to exercise five days a week

The Government's top medical adviser has issued a stark warning over the health risks posed by Britain's "couch potato culture".

The warning came as the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, published a report on physical activity and health urging moderate physical activity on a basis of 'At Least Five A Week'.

Smoking and unhealthy diet have long been established as major causal factors for chronic disease but the report says that inactive living is equally important.

Sir Liam Donaldson said: "People need to stay active over the whole of their lives if they are to stave off the threat of obesity and killer diseases like cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and cancer.

"We are moving less than our parents and grandparents. This is a major risk factor for the nation's health. We need to combat the 'couch potato' culture, and this means building moderate everyday physical activity into our lives.

"It is not about spending hours and hours in the gym, but it is about finding ways to build activities into our daily lives."

For general health benefit, adults should achieve a total of at least 30 minutes a day of at least moderate intensity physical activity, on five or more days of the week.

This report will be considered by Ministers when they draw up the forthcoming White Paper on Public Health, following the public consultation exercise, currently under way.

Welcoming the report Health Secretary John Reid said: "This is a excellent report which clearly sets out the importance of a more active lifestyle. The challenge for all of us; Government, business, the voluntary sector and individuals themselves, is how we achieve that."

(SP)