5 key facts for the East of England:
- Only 36% of men and 24% of women in the East of England undertake at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on at least five days per week. (Health Survey for England 2003).
- The proportion of adults in the East of England undertaking at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on at least five days per week falls from 50% for men aged 16-24, to less than 10% for men over the age of 70. (Health Survey for England 2003). The equivalent figures for women are 30% aged 16-24, falling to less than 5% over the age of 70. (Health Survey for England 2003)
- Nearly 70% of boys and just over 60% of girls in the East of England (aged 2–15 years) in England undertake at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This is less than the national average for boys but more than the national average for girls. (Health Survey for England 2002).
- In the East of England, the main recreational activities that contribute to physical activity include gardening, walking, swimming and bowling. (The European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) and the Ely Study.)
- Physical inactivity costs an average PCT in the East of England 4.5 million per year. This cost would more than double if one includes the estimated contribution of inactivity to obesity. (Department for Culture, Media and Sport/ Strategy Unit. Game Plan: a strategy for delivering Government’s sport and physical activity objectives. London: Strategy Unit; 2002.)
|
Physical activity has been described as "today’s best buy in public health". Only about 24% of women and 36% of men in the East of England are sufficiently active (estimates from Health Survey for England 2003; see below for recommended activity levels). Physical inactivity is associated with poorer health; regular physical activity throughout life is associated with better physical and mental health and well being.
Current Department of Health recommendations for physical activity are as follows:
| Adults |
Accumulate at least 30 minutes per day of at least moderate activity on at least 5 days per week. The activity can be accumulated throughout the day, in sessions of 10 minutes or longer. To prevent obesity, many people will need to undertake at least 45 to 60 minutes of activity most days. |
| Older adults |
These recommendations are appropriate for older adults. Older people should maintain mobility through daily activity, and would also benefit from activities that promote strength, co-ordination and balance. |
| Children & young people |
Children and young people should achieve a total of at least 60 minutes per day of at least moderate physical activity. At least twice a week, this should include activities to promote bone health, muscular strength and flexibility. |
The most appropriate types of physical activity will vary between individuals according to age, physical health and fitness, access to facilities and personal preference.
Data
The best source of population data on physical activity is the Health Survey for England (HSE). This annual survey has a different focus each year. The Surveys from 2003 (coronary heart disease), 2001(health of children and young people) and 1999 (health of ethnic minority groups) collected detailed data on the physical activity habits of adults, children and young people. Data from the HSE can be analysed online via the ERPHO website using NESSTAR or via the UK data archive (Athens password required).
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) (see overview Quick link 10565) includes questions on the physical activity levels of adults aged 19 to 64 years in Volume 4, 2003 (Quick link 10570).
Sport England has commissioned surveys on physical activity in disabled children and adults, and schoolchildren (available on Sport England website, research & reports page - see Quick link 10637).
Local data on physical activity in the East of England were collected for the EPIC-Norfolk study (25,630 participants aged 45 – 74 years) and the Ely Diabetes Prevention Study (initial cohort aged 40 – 64 years).
Patterns of physical activity
- Most adults are not active at the recommended level.
- The level of physical activity falls with age; children and young people tend to be more active than older people.
- Boys and men tend to be more active than girls and women (HSE 1998, 2002).
- Black Caribbean adults and Irish women tend to be more active than the general population; Irish men, and Indian, Pakistan, Bangladeshi and Chinese tend to be similarly, or less active than the general population (HSE 1999).
- Men and women in managerial and professional households were more likely to report taking part in physical activity (HSE 2003).
- Overweight and obese people are more likely to be sedentary than people of normal weight.
Policy
Physical activity is a priority area in health policy, partly because of the relationship between physical inactivity and overweight.
National
The Chief Medical Officer’s report At least five a week: Evidence on the impact of physical activity and its relationship to health (2004) summarises the evidence and makes the case for the benefits of regular physical activity for adults and children (find also via Quick link 9797).
The Choosing Health? Choosing Activity consultation (closed on 30th June 2004) sought clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in promoting physical activity, and the findings will feed into the public health White Paper.
Game Plan (2002) published jointly by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Cabinet Office Strategy Unit describes a strategy for increasing participation in sport and physical activity, and includes a target to increase participation in physical activity by adults (find also via Quick link 10499).
Regional
There is a Regional Physical Activity Forum with members representing a range of local, regional and national private and public sector organisations. The Forum has communication, planning and delivery and co-ordination roles within the East of England. |