Physical Activity

Introduction

Regular physical activity is associated with improved health: reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer, in addition to improving mental well being and bone health.

It is recommended that adults achieve a minimum of 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity activity 5 times or more a week.

The number of adults achieving the recommended activity levels in the North East is low, particularly for women.

It is recommended that children achieve a minimum of 60 minutes of at least moderate intensity activity every day.

The number of children achieving the recommended activity levels in the North East exceeds the England average, although there is a lack of robust local level data examining children’s activity levels.

The majority of miles travelled by North East adults is by car.

Cycling levels are low for both adults and children across the North East.

The majority of children in the North East walk to school and achieve at least two hours of high quality PE or sport a week.

The majority of North East physical activity data is derived from large self-reported surveys, which differ in focus, size and data collection methodology which make comparisons between surveys difficult.

Physical activity levels appear to be influenced by age, gender, ethnicity, BMI and deprivation.