More realistic physical activity targets needed, say experts

Physical activity guidelines should focus on getting inactive people to do a little activity rather than strive for the entire population to meet the current target of 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, according to expert analysts.

Some activity is better than none to improve health: as little as walking for 1 minute a week can help to reduce premature mortality, they say.

Too much sitting has been shown to increase the risk of chronic diseases, particularly diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

But two recent articles in the BMJ argue that the 150 minute target is beyond the reach of some, especially older people, and say we should be promoting the benefits of small increases in daily physical activity rather than focusing on meeting current recommendations.

Philipe de Souto Barreto at the University Hospital of Toulouse says studies show a dose-response relationship between physical activity and health, suggesting that benefits can still be achieved by people doing less than the recommended amount of physical activity.

For example, a review of six studies found a 19% decrease in the risk of all cause mortality among people walking for 1-74 minutes a week compared with people doing nothing.

In a second article, Professor Phillip Sparling at the Georgia Institute of Technology and colleagues point out that older adults find it difficult to meet moderate and vigorous exercise targets.

They argue that focusing on the 150 minute recommendation ‘may mean that the benefits of lesser amounts of exercise are overlooked.’

Barreto P. Global health agenda on non-communicable diseases: has WHO set a smart goal for physical activity. BMJ 2015;350:h23 https://www.bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/bmj.h23

Sparling P. Recommendations for physical activity in older adults. BMJ 2015;350:h100 https://www.bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/bmj.h100