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Chapter 12 - Physical Activity

from Section 3 - The Lifestyle Medicine Pillars

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2025

By
Andrew Boyd
Edited by
Richard Pinder ,
Christopher-James Harvey  and
Ellen Fallows
Richard Pinder
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Christopher-James Harvey
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London
Ellen Fallows
Affiliation:
British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
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Summary

Physical inactivity is recognised as a global risk factor for premature mortality and morbidity. Engaging in physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour significantly improves both mental and physical health at all ages. Lifestyle Medicine emphasises the importance of a person-centred approach to encourage physical activity during consultations. Physical activity guidelines in the UK recommend adults to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity weekly for health benefits. Sedentary behaviour is defined as low-energy expenditure activities while awake and is an independent risk factor for ill health. Clinical and community-based interventions, including brief advice and referral to physical activity programmes, are cost-effective and improve physical activity levels. Various tools exist to assess physical activity levels and fitness in clinical settings, aiding personalised healthcare. Personalised support and health coaching techniques, such as motivational interviewing, effectively promote physical activity. Physical activity reduces the risk of long-term conditions, improves weight management, and has positive effects on metabolism and immune pathways. Supporting increased physical activity as part of Lifestyle Medicine can prevent, treat, and potentially reverse chronic health conditions.

Keywords

Physical activitySedentary behaviourLifestyle MedicineNon-communicable diseasesLongevityCardiovascular diseaseType 2 diabetes mellitusMusculoskeletal diseaseMental healthBehaviour change techniques
Type
Chapter
Information
Essential Lifestyle Medicine , pp. 122 - 134
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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