Statistics and Evidence
Walking is an important solution for combating a nation of couch potatoes - a nation
where obesity rates are increasing exponentially
and associated conditions, that could easily be prevented by regular walking, are
placing an unacceptable burden on our overstretched health service.
The majority of the population in England do not take enough exercise to benefit
their health. The Chief Medical Officer recommends that every adult should take
30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise, at least five times a week.
Studies have shown that regular walking can :
- Halve the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help control weight
- Control blood sugar levels
- Reduce harmful cholesterol
- Prevent and alleviate depression and anxiety
- Reduce stress
- Strengthen the immune system
The British Heart Foundation has useful
statistical information about the benefits of walking on its website.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recently issued
guidance for employers on how to
encourage employees to increase their levels of physical activity. The document
is in response to understanding that many of us of working age are not active enough
to benefit our health; this contributes to sickness absence and decreased productivity.
Physical inactivity in England costs an estimated £8.2bn each year - this
includes the direct costs of treating diseases linked to a lack of activity and
the indirect costs caused through sickness absence.
This guidance on workplace physical activity is aimed at employers in all organisations
who have a responsibility or a role in improving health in the workplace. This especially
includes staff responsible for human resources or occupational health.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has also recently
published
Four Commonly Used Methods to Promote Physical Activity which provides
a useful insight into tools which have successfully motivated and supported people
to walk more often, to more places, to benefit their health.
Walking the way to Health has carried out evaluations and case studies of its programme
of health walks which can be found on its website under www.whi.org.uk/evaluation.
If you have other statistics or evidence that you would like to share or you were
hoping that our site would give you, please let us know
and we will do our best to find them.