Even light or moderate physical activity reduces the risk of early death

A new study has found that even light or moderate intensity physical activity, such as walking or cycling, can substantially reduce the risk of early death.

The study combined the results from the largest studies around the world on the health impact of light and moderate intensity physical ac ti vity. It showed that the largest health benef its from light or moderate activity (such as walking and cycling) were in people who do hardly any physical activity at all. Although more activity is better - the benefits of even a small amount of physical activity are greater in the least physically active.

The good news from this study is that you don't have to be an exercis e freak to benefit from physical activity. Just achieving the recommended levels of physical activity (equivalent to 30 minutes daily of moderate intensity activity on 5 days a week) reduces the risk of death by 19%, while 7 hours per week of moderate activity (compared with no activity) reduces the risk of death by 24%.

Lead researcher, James Woodcock said, “This research confirms that is not just exercising hard that is good for you but even moderate every day activities, like walking and cycling, can have major health benefits. Just walking to the shops or walking the children to school can lengthen your life – as well as bringing other benefits for well-being and the environment.”