- England's chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, has warned against the health risks of prolonged sitting, coinciding with new exercise guidance.
- The updated guidelines from UK chief medical officers stress that “any activity is better than none” and reinforce the recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
- A key focus is on minimising sedentary time and breaking up long periods of inactivity, as “prolonged sitting is harmful, even in people who achieve the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity”.
- The guidance specifically advises individuals using weight-loss drugs to incorporate muscle strengthening activity to counteract muscle mass loss.
- Sir Chris said the new review included studies on 30 million people, showing that being active cuts the risk of diseases and deaths from any cause.
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