Physical activity is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to enhance health and prevent disease across the life course. From childhood through older age, regular movement – whether through structured exercise or daily routines – offers profound physical, mental, and social benefits. Public Health England’s report Everybody Active, Every Day emphasises that physical inactivity is the fourth largest cause of disease and disability in the UK, and it presents a compelling case for integrating activity into daily life at every stage.

Key findings from Everybody Active, Every Day

Around one in two women and a third of men in England are damaging their health through a lack of physical activity. The report estimates that if everyone in England met current physical activity guidelines, over 37,000 deaths could be prevented each year and the NHS could save around £1.2 billion annually. It highlights that physical activity can help prevent or manage more than 20 health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

The framework advocates for a “whole systems” approach, involving local authorities, schools, healthcare providers, urban planners, and businesses. Its four key themes – active society, moving professionals, active environments, and moving at scale – highlight that promoting activity isn’t just about individual choice but requires coordinated societal support.

NICE Guidelines on physical activity

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides evidence-based guidance to support increased physical activity, particularly in populations with low activity levels. For instance, NICE guideline PH44 promotes “brief advice in primary care,” encouraging general practitioners and other healthcare professionals to initiate conversations about physical activity and offer tailored advice during routine appointments.

Other relevant guidelines, such as PH8 (on walking and cycling) and PH41 (on community engagement), advocate for environmental and community-level changes, like better access to parks and investment in cycle paths, as effective public health interventions. These strategies aim to improve population health, reduce health inequalities, and foster more active communities.

Department of Health Physical Activity Guidelines

The Department of Health and Social Care provides age-specific recommendations for physical activity. For adults, the current guideline is at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, such as brisk walking or cycling, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity like running or aerobics, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week (UK Chief Medical Officers, 2019).

For children and young people aged 5-18, at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity is recommended, including activities that build muscle and bone. For older adults, physical activity should focus not only on aerobic fitness but also on balance and strength to reduce the risk of falls and maintain independence.

Creating a healthier, happier future

The evidence is clear: regular physical activity delivers lifelong health benefits. It improves cardiovascular fitness, mental wellbeing, muscle strength, and bone density, while also lowering the risk of chronic conditions.

Reports from Public Health England, NICE guidelines, and the Department of Health’s activity standards all align in urging individuals and society to prioritise movement. By building physical activity into everyday life – at home, work, school, and within communities – we can create a healthier, happier, and more sustainable future for all.

Related documents

Enhancing knowledge and informing practice

Visit the Acute Resource Centre

Explore our suite of practical resources, useful links and toolkits for health and social care professionals – covering a broad spectrum of topics.