A report by the British Heart Foundation shows that 44% of the UK population does no “moderate physical activity”. The report places the UK 16th out of 28 EU countries when it comes to getting active.
With the total cost of physical inactivity estimated to exceed over £900m a year, the report also found that 10% of the UK population participate in sport “regularly”, placing the UK in 12th position out of the 28.
Catherine Kelly, Director of Prevention, Survival and Support at the BHF, said the figures are, “a worrying indication of the overall picture of our nation’s heart health.”
“Our research has shown that even making small, more active changes to your daily routine can improve your heart health. With the warmer nights and lighter evenings, the summer is the perfect opportunity for people to start to make these changes.”
Commenting on the findings, which can be found here, Emma Boggis, Chief Executive of the Sport and Recreation Alliance said:
“There is now a wide range of evidence that suggests that we as a country aren’t being physically active enough. From there it’s a short step to making the link to the problems arising from inactivity and sedentary lifestyles.”
“Our own Game of Life research highlights the health benefits of just 30 minutes of daily, physical activity.”
“Working with the new government and using the points laid out in our Ministers’ To Do List, we want to address the health of the nation and make sport and recreation a go-to preventative measure in tackling obesity and the associated health risks.”
New research shows playing fields and pitches deliver at least £2bn in improved wellbeing every year and help keep almost 4 million people active, including 1 million children.
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Below we provide an update on a number of our current policy-related workstreams, from the announcement of the NHS 10 Year Plan, to a number of additional issues - including planning reforms, the EHRC consultation on gender, Select and APPG inquiries into Healthy Ageing, and Access to Nature.
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The Sport and Recreation Alliance welcomes Government’s commitment to investing in community sport, recreation and physical activity, and its recognition of the social and economic value it provides.
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