MORE than three-quarters of adults in the South West are failing to meet the government’s recommended guidelines on moderate exercise.

A major charity initiative is urging families across the region to get active in their area to help protect their well-being.

A UK-wide survey commissioned by the National Charity Partnership, a collaboration between Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Tesco, found that more than three-quarters (76 per cent) of adults in the region fail to meet the government’s recommended guidelines on moderate exercise.

The National Charity Partnership is concerned that generally low rates of exercise, could be having a detrimental long-term effect on the health of thousands of people across the region.

More people than ever before are being diagnosed with either Type 2 diabetes or heart and circulatory disease. Being physically active is known to help reduce the likelihood of developing both conditions, but 23 per cent of adults in the South West who were surveyed said the cost of fitness classes stops them being active.

Adults in the South West reported spending an average of 79 minutes a week on moderate exercise such as walking or cycling.

This is substantially below the 15 minutes of moderate exercise each week recommended by government. 

The Partnership is encouraging people to use the online motivational goal setter tool, which helps people to set and monitor health-related targets and stay on track to achieve their goals.

The National Charity Partnership is running a campaign, "Let’s Do This", to support adults to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease by taking small steps towards healthier lifestyles.

As part of this campaign you can also find out about free, fun events and programmes in the East of England to inspire people to be more active. 

Alex Davis, Head of Prevention for the National Charity Partnership, said: “Many thousands of people are living with either Type 2 diabetes or heart and circulatory disease in the South West. These conditions are potentially life-threatening, but they are also largely preventable.”

“Even just 10 minutes of a free activity can help people reduce their risk, but many of us can struggle with this.

"Come along to the free physical activities in the South West. Any kind of moderate exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming and cycling can help to make a big difference to your physical health.”

For more information about Let’s Do This, please visit: http://www.lets-dothis.org.uk .

Alan Quick