UK Chief Medical Officers Issue Updated Exercise Guidelines with Advice on Sitting and Weight-Loss Drugs

The UK's chief medical officers released updated exercise guidelines that restate the existing 150-minute weekly target for adults while adding advice on prolonged sitting and new recommendations for people using weight-loss drugs. England's chief medical officer Professor Sir Chris Whitty stated that even minimal movement improves health and that hybrid working and online shopping have reduced routine activity for many people.

The guidance, based on fresh evidence including studies of 30 million people, reiterates that adults should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, plus muscle-strengthening exercises on at least two days.

It adds that adults should be active every day and break up long periods of inactivity. The chief medical officers said in their report that if physical activity were a drug, it would be referred to as a miracle cure due to the illnesses it can prevent or treat.

New advice targets users of weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, who are told to perform resistance training to maintain muscle mass.

Older people are advised to do weight-bearing exercises or use resistance bands to counter natural declines in muscle and bone density from around age 50. The guidelines set age-specific targets for younger groups. Babies under one should be active several times daily, including at least 30 minutes of tummy time.

Toddlers aged one to two and children aged three to four need at least three hours of activity daily. Those aged five to 18 should do at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. Public health minister Sharon Hodgson said small changes such as walking to school or taking the stairs can add up to significant benefits.