Regular physical activity is associated with the reduced incidence of many chronic conditions, such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, cancer, joint disease and poor mental health. Regular physical activity can improve health outcomes regardless of whether individuals achieve weight loss. Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure. Exercise is planned, structured, involves repetitive bodily movements and is usually undertaken during leisure time for the purpose of maintaining physical fitness. The key messages are:

• Becoming even moderately active on a regular basis can improve the health of people who are usually inactive
• Physical activity does not need to be strenuous to improve health
• There is no need to join a gym €“ 'active living' and home-based activities are just as beneficial for health.