People in Britain are one of the least active in Europe warns a pivotal report.
Public Health England found that the population is now 20% less active than it was in the 1960s. It says that two thirds of the nation is failing to engage in physical activity.
It also warned that the survival of the UK’s welfare state is at great risk as a result because of self-inflicted medical conditions.
The report says the typical lifestyle in Britain involves long hours at desk jobs, high reliance on car travel and evenings sitting in front of a TV or computer.
More than 40% of women and 35% of men spend more than six hours a day desk-bound or sitting still. Disturbingly, it said the lifestyles of young adults from 16 to 24 years are as sedentary as those of pensioners.
It warns: “Social, cultural and economic trends have removed physical activity from daily life. Fewer of us have manual jobs. Technology dominates at home and work, the two places where we spend most of our time. It encourages us to sit for long periods – watching TV, at the computer, playing games or using mobile phones and tablets. Over-reliance on cars and other motorised transport is also a factor.”
Health officials say other high-income countries like Finland, the Netherlands and Germany, perform far better, with most people taking much more activity as part of their day.
“This is unsustainable and costing the UK an estimated £7.4bn a year. If current trends continue, the increasing costs of health and social care will destabilise public services and take a toll on quality of life for individuals and communities.”
Government guidelines say people should do at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic activity every week.
Public Health England said just 30 minutes a day would make a big difference to health – such as a brisk walk, a swim, cycling, or gardening.
“Each ten-minute bout that gets the heart rate up has a health benefit”
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