Updated UK CMO Physical Activity Guidelines Published
July 29, 2026
The UK Chief Medical Officers have today (10 July 2026) published refreshed Physical Activity Guidelines, showing evidence continues to build that regular movement – no matter how small – can have significant benefits for people's physical and mental health.
The updated guidance reflects the latest scientific evidence on physical activity and sedentary behaviour, finding the existing recommended activity levels across all age groups to remain accurate. Findings include a renewed emphasis on the health benefits of light-intensity activity, reducing prolonged periods of sitting, and including strength and balance exercises as part of everyday life. Those on GLP-1 agonist drugs to combat obesity need to maintain muscle strength.
The guidelines cover all stages of life, including children and young people, adults, older adults, disabled people and women during pregnancy and after birth. They reinforce the message that building activity into everyday routines can help improve health and wellbeing. The new evidence base on the positive effects of physical activity in women is stronger than in previously.
Regular physical activity plays an important role in reducing the risk of a range of many long-term conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, while also supporting good mental health and wellbeing. By helping people build movement into everyday life, the refreshed guidance supports the government's ambition to shift healthcare from treating illness to preventing it.
The refreshed guidance also recognises that physical activity does not need to take place in long or structured sessions to have a positive impact. Walking to the shops, wheeling, taking the stairs, dancing, gardening, active play and household tasks can all contribute towards improving health when carried out regularly.
The UK CMOs, Professor Chris Whitty, Professor Michael McBride, Professor Gregor Smith and Professor Isabel Oliver, said:
“We are delighted to be publishing the updated UK CMO physical activity guidelines, with new and stronger supporting evidence on the key role physical activity plays in improving and maintaining health in adults. The evidence has strengthened for women. Evidence continues to show that if physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent or treat. It is now clear that even small amounts of physical activity produce important benefits compared to none, and the benefits steadily increase up to the recommended 150 minutes a week.
“The evidence of the need to maintain strength and balance as we age, which may require different sorts of physical activity, including those on GLP1-agonist drugs for weight management or diabetes has strengthened.
“New evidence also highlights the benefits of physical activity for health far outweigh the risks in many groups who might be concerned about this, including for people living with disability and most long-term conditions.”
Richard Johnston, Active Cumbria Senior Manager, said: "The updated Physical Activity Guidelines provide a powerful reminder that every movement matters. We welcome the continued evidence showing that building physical activity into everyday life, however small, can have a significant impact on health and wellbeing. Across Cumbria, we must continue working together to help people move more, reduce barriers to participation and create opportunities for everyone to lead healthier, more active lives."
Alongside the publication, the Department of Health and Social Care is releasing a suite of updated resources, including infographics and communications materials, to help organisations promote the guidance consistently. These resources are intended to support professionals working across health, education, local government, sport and the voluntary sector to encourage people to build movement into their daily lives in ways that work for them. We’ve added the updated infographic resources to our website.
The updated evidence reinforces that making small, sustainable changes can deliver meaningful health benefits over time, supporting healthier lives and helping to prevent a range of long-term health conditions.