Physical activity
In the borough of Rochdale, 60.9 per cent of the adult population are estimated to be physically active, which is below the England rate of 67.3 per cent (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities 2021/22 - based on the Active Lives Adult Survey, Sport England).
The importance of being physically active
Being physically active isn't for weight loss alone. It contributes to well-being, but is also essential for good health. People who are physically active reduce their risk of developing major chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes by up to 50 per cent and the risk of premature death by about 20–30 per cent.
Consequently, it has been calculated that physical inactivity is responsible for 1 in 6 deaths in the UK, which is equal to smoking, and carries an estimated cost of £7.4 billion every year.
Trends in physical activity
Surveys such as the Active Lives Survey which is referenced below, have shown that nearly a quarter of adults report being physically inactive, doing less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week. As such, the country's population is around 20 per cent less active than in the 1960s. If current trends continue, it will be 35 per cent less active by 2030.
Increasing physical activity levels would improve both health and wellbeing. Approaches to encourage and support people to be more active are needed. These can be linked to enjoyment and improving wellbeing. This section looks at levels of physical activity and inactivity in the adult population in Rochdale borough.
Statistics on physical activity
- Sport England - Active Lives Survey - the Active Lives Survey replaces the Active People Survey and measures sport, activity and volunteering levels on an annual basis.
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Physical activity profile - this physical activity profile features indicators of activity, including walking and cycling, as well as data on related risk factors and conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
Guidance and information on physical activity
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Physical activity: Applying All Our Health - this OHID resource offers guidance to health professionals to help prevent ill health relating to physical inactivity and to promote health and wellbeing as part of everyday practice.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance - Physical activity - NICE has produced a number of documents that focus on physical activity including guidance on physical activity, environments, the workplace, preventing excess weight gain, walking and cycling.