Unfitness takes toll on millions

More than five million people are dying every year because of physical inactivity, it was claimed today.

The number represents up to a tenth of the total number of deaths worldwide.

A report in The Lancet says lack of exercise is a major contributor to diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Experts said the "shocking" toll of deaths was similar to that caused by cigarette smoking.

Amy Thompson, of the British Heart Foundation, said:  “The results of this study, though shocking, tell us what we already know. Being physically active can have huge benefits for your health.

“Adults should try and be active every day, and build up to at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week.

"Moderate intensity means any activity which causes you to become warm, increases your heart rate slightly and gets you breathing a little harder than normal.

"Choosing activities you enjoy will keep you motivated."

Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy. I-Min Lee, Eric J Shiroma, Felipe Lobelo, Pekka Puska, Steven N Blair, Peter T Katzmarzyk. The Lancet July 18 2012.