NICE contributes to government’s anti-obesity vision
pharmafile | January 24, 2008 | News story | Sales and Marketing |Â Â hcÂ
The rise of obesity in Britain could be halted if exercise were built into individual daily routines, according to new guidance from NICE.
The institute has been commissioned by the government to contribute to its strategic plan to help curb the growth in obesity, and NICE's plan includes more new cycle paths, pedestrianised areas, and attractive staircases in the workplace to draw us away from sedentary lifestyles and prevent illness.
The institute has been commissioned by the government to contribute to its strategic plan to help curb the growth in obesity, and NICE's plan includes more new cycle paths, pedestrianised areas, and attractive staircases in the workplace to draw us away from sedentary lifestyles and prevent illness.
Professor Mike Kelly, Director, Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE said: "Our lives are more sedentary than ever before, but even modest increases in daily activity, such as brisk walking, will help break the pattern of couch potato behaviour and benefit health.
"To help this happen, the environment in both urban and rural areas needs to provide safe places for people to walk or cycle, and to ensure that local amenities are accessible."
Around 65% of men and 76% of women in England currently do not achieve the recommended level of activity for health – at least 30 minutes moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days of the week. NICE says a little exercise could help prevent or manage over 20 conditions and diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes and some cancers as well as obesity.
The new guidance on creating environments to encourage physical activity suggests local communities work together to plan healthy options for transport, open public spaces and buildings.
It is aimed not only at healthcare professionals but also architects, planning officers and anyone who has a responsibility for a built or natural environment.
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