Local government public health briefings
Published 15 July 2012, (last updated: 10 April 2013)

Physical activity

Introduction

This briefing summarises NICE's recommendations for local authorities and partner organisations on how to encourage people to be physically active. It is particularly relevant to health and wellbeing boards.

Physical activity is not only fun and enjoyable, it is essential for good health, helping to prevent or manage over 20 conditions and diseases. This includes heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and obesity. It can also help improve people's mental health and wellbeing (At least five a week: Evidence on the impact of physical activity and its relationship to health).

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.

For further information on how to use this briefing and how it was developed, see 'About this briefing'.

NICE has also produced a local government briefing on Walking and cycling. This will be of particular interest to people who promote active travel. It summarises all of NICE's recommendations that support walking and cycling and presents relevant facts and figures.