Dr Callum Leese from Aberfeldy Medical Practice urges GPs to integrate physical activity into primary care, highlighting that one-third of the UK population is physically inactive. This inactivity costs the economy £7.2 billion, with £1 billion burdening the NHS.
Speaking at the RCGP’s annual meeting, Dr Leese emphasised that promoting physical activity is highly cost-effective.
To put it into perspective: smoking cessation advice needs to be given 50 times for one success, whereas physical activity advice requires only 12 interactions for positive results. Research supports that healthier doctors lead to healthier patients, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals leading by example. Dr Leese calls for doctors and nurses to champion physical activity, fostering a healthier, more active population and easing financial pressures on the NHS. This push for lifestyle medicine is not just a medical directive but a societal shift towards better health and well-being.
The forthcoming National Self-Care Week (18-24 Nov) is a perfect time for initiating healthier living practises in surgeries, for the health of patients and staff.
