London – Regular exercise is a “miracle cure staring us in the face” that can dramatically cut our risk of cancer, dementia, heart disease and diabetes, leading doctors have said.
In a new review of existing evidence that reveals the full extent of the benefits that can be accrued from exercise, the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges said the improvements in health could be “incalculable”.
If we all did just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week, we could prevent many cases of type 2 diabetes, which costs the National Health Service billions per year, their report says.
Similar levels of exercise could also cut our risk of heart disease by 40 percent, stroke and dementia by 30 percent and breast cancer by 25 percent. Bowel cancer rates could be cut by nearly a half.
Exercise that they say could contribute to significantly better health includes brisk walking, dancing, cycling and even sex. Scarlett McNally, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who led the review of more than 200 separate pieces of research, said people have to “change what we think of as normal”.
“What we are seeing in our hospitals and surgeries up and down the country is that 'normal' has become not enough exercise,” she said.
“Too many of my patients are paying the price for that with broken bones and years of ill health that could have been avoided by being more active.”
The health benefit of even a small amount of exercise is superior to many drugs in preventing some diseases, the report said, and can also be a treatment for some conditions, depression in particular.
However, half the population does not do enough – a figure that rises to two-thirds among the over-65s.
More exercise need not mean a gym membership or personal trainer, the report says, and doctors should be doing more to encourage patients to be more active in easy, everyday ways. A regular brisk walk, one which makes you slightly sweaty and slightly out of breath, or comparable activity, would be enough.
“This is about reminding doctors and patients that fitting small amounts of regular exercise into their schedule can make a huge difference to their health,” said Ms McNally. “It could be as simple as taking the stairs rather than a lift, kicking a ball about with your children or grandchildren.”
Professor Dame Sue Bailey, chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: “This is about people and their doctors believing that the small effort involved is worth it, because they are worth it.
“There really is a miracle cure staring us in the face, one which too many patients and doctors have quite simply forgotten about.”
Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said the findings were “astounding”.
“GPs are well-placed to educate patients about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle, and today's report shows how incorporating a modest amount of exercise into our daily routines can ensure our long-term health,” she said.
The Independent