England's chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, has issued new physical activity guidelines urging Britons to increase their daily movement amid concerns over declining activity levels linked to lifestyle changes such as home-working and the rise of delivery apps. The updated advice, released in July 2026, builds on recommendations last revised in 2019 and introduces greater focus on encouraging all forms of movement throughout the day, including non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which encompasses energy spent on activities other than deliberate exercise, eating, or sleeping.

Whitty highlighted that the shift towards hybrid working and the convenience of online shopping have significantly reduced incidental physical activity that was once part of everyday routines, such as walking or cycling to work and visiting shops in person. He emphasized that while these changes are not inherently negative, individuals need to consciously incorporate more movement into their daily lives to offset the sedentary tendencies of modern living. The guidelines caution against prolonged periods of inactivity and recommend breaking up sitting time with short bouts of walking or other physical activity.

One notable addition to the new guidance addresses the growing number of people using weight-loss medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. With an estimated 1.6 million adults in Britain having used these injections last year—and demand expected to rise following the recent availability of weight-loss pills in pharmacies—officials stress the importance of strength training for these individuals. Whitty explained that while these drugs promote fat loss, they can also result in some muscle loss, making strength and balance exercises critical to maintaining muscle mass during and after weight reduction.

The updated guidelines also reaffirm the previous target of achieving at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity weekly but underscore that any amount of movement, even short bursts or “exercise snacks,” can yield significant health benefits. Whitty encouraged those currently inactive to begin with small steps, stressing that the gains to physical and mental health increase notably with each increment of activity up to the recommended thresholds.

Alongside Whitty, the chief medical officers of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland jointly emphasized the extensive health benefits of regular physical activity, noting that it can prevent or delay a wide range of conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, dementia, diabetes, several types of cancer, arthritis, and depression. They described physical activity as a "miracle cure" given its broad impact on disease prevention and treatment.

Commenting on the new guidelines, Chris Boardman, chair of Sport England, echoed these sentiments, calling physical activity one of the closest things to a wonder cure and highlighting its role not only in improving physical and mental health but also in fostering social connections and engagement with the environment.

Overall, the revised guidance seeks to reflect contemporary lifestyles and scientific understanding, advocating for a holistic approach to movement that recognizes the value of all physical activity, encourages strength training particularly for those on emerging weight-loss treatments, and aims to reverse the downward trend in daily exercise levels experienced in recent years.