July 10, 2026

Updated Chief Medical Officers’ Guidance on Physical Activity

One of the things the UK’s Chief Medical Officers produce is guidelines on the amount and type of physical activity people should be doing to improve their health. These reports contain guidance for health professionals, policymakers and others working to promote physical activity, sport and exercise for health benefits.

This year, the CMOs of England and the 3 devolved nations have updated these activity guidelines to reflect new research on adult physical activity published since the guidelines were last reviewed in 2019. The update will:

• Strengthen messaging about even small amounts of physical activity being beneficial and add emphasis on maintaining strength and balance (including for those on GLP-1 drugs).
• Republish the rest of the document in a refreshed format, ensuring it meets accessibility standards and with new infographics.
• Update and strengthen the messaging for adults, and to create and support opportunities to promote physical activity.

Journalists came to the SMC to hear from Chris Whitty and his fellow CMOs about the latest guidance.

Speakers will include:

Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, England

Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer, Wales

Professor Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer, Northern Ireland

Professor Gregor Smith, Chief Medical Officer, Scotland

Frances Burnett, Public Health Registrar, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)