The UK Chief Medical Officers have published refreshed Physical Activity Guidelines, showing evidence continues to build that regular movement – no matter how small – can have significant benefits for people’s physical and mental health.
The updated guidance reflects the latest scientific evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, finding the existing recommended activity levels across all age groups to remain accurate. The guidelines cover all stages of life, including children and young people, adults, older adults, disabled people and women during pregnancy and after birth. They reinforce the message that building activity into everyday routines can help improve health and wellbeing.
Regular physical activity plays an important role in reducing the risk of a range of many long-term conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, while also supporting good mental health and wellbeing. By helping people build movement into everyday life, the refreshed guidance supports the government’s ambition to shift healthcare from treating illness to preventing it.
The refreshed guidance also recognises that physical activity does not need to take place in long or structured sessions to have a positive impact. Walking to the shops, wheeling, taking the stairs, dancing, gardening, active play and household tasks can all contribute towards improving health when carried out regularly.
Alongside the publication, the Department of Health and Social Care has released a suite of updated resources, including the following infographics, to help organisations promote the guidance consistently.
- Physical Activity Guidelines: Adults and Older Adults
- Physical Activity Guidelines: Disabled Adults
- Physical Activity Guidelines: Children and Young People
- Physical Activity Guidelines: Disabled Children and Disabled Young People
- Physical Activity Guidelines: Pregnancy and after childbirth
- Physical Activity Guidelines: Early Years (under 5s)
The UK CMOs, Professor Chris Whitty, Professor Michael McBride, Professor Gregor Smith and Professor Isabel Oliver, said:
“Evidence continues to show that if physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent or treat. It is now clear that even small amounts of physical activity produce important benefits compared to none, and the benefits steadily increase up to the recommended 150 minutes a week. ”
Public Health Minister Hodgson said:
“Being physically active is one of the simplest ways people can improve both their physical and mental health, and these refreshed guidelines provide clear, evidence-based advice to help everyone make movement part of everyday life. ”
Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England, said:
“These updated guidelines give people clear, evidence-based advice on what we’re aiming for and how to build more movement into everyday life. Making it easier and more enjoyable to be active, especially for those who need it most, has the power to change lives. It strengthens families, communities and, ultimately, our nation.”
Read the full press release from Department of Health and Social Care (Published: 10 July 2026)
