Half an hour of exercise a day can add an extra five years on your life, a ground breaking research has revealed.

Health experts said that walking or cycling gently has massive long-term benefits.

According to the World Health Organisation, research carried out in Britain and Denmark shows that gentle work-outs and even housework every day can boost life spans by as much as five years.

The news will provide encouragement for those couch potatoes to start taking exercise.

Britain is in the grip of an obesity epidemic, with just 35% of men and 24% of women taking regular exercise.

"Encouraging people to be physically active every day has so many health benefits," said Dr Marc Danzon, WHO regional director for Europe.

"These include reducing the risk of developing certain diseases and of becoming obese, as well as contributing to physical co-ordination, balance, strength and mental well-being. "

"It is a very cost-effective public health tool."

The organisation is so concerned that the public is not getting the message on exercise that it will launch a "Move For Health" campaign to boost public awareness.

"The WHO encourages adults to take at least 30 minutes of moderate physical exercise a day, defined as any body movement that results in energy expenditure," said Dr Danzon.

"This includes walking, cycling, playing, housework, climbing stairs as well as sports. "

He added that children should take at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.

一项具有突破性的研究表明，每天锻炼一小时能让你多活5年。

健康专家们说，慢走或慢速骑车对于健康具有重大而且长远的好处。

据世界卫生组织介绍，这项在英国和丹麦进行的研究表明，每天进行适度的锻炼，甚至是做家务活都能让人的寿命延长5年。

这一调查结果将会鼓励那些不爱运动的"懒骨头"开始锻炼身体。

英国的肥胖症患者较多，但在这一人群中，只有35％的男性和24％的女性定期进行体育锻炼。

世界卫生组织欧洲区域主任马克·坦桑博士说："鼓励人们要每天锻炼身体，这对健康会有很多好处。"

"包括减小患某些疾病和变肥胖的风险，加强身体的协调性、平衡能力和力量，对心理健康也有好处。"

"这种改善大众身体健康状况的方式十分划算。"

世界卫生组织担心公众不知道此项关于锻炼身体的调查结果，因此，它将启动一项名为"健康大行动"的计划，以此增强大众的健康意识。

坦桑博士说："世卫组织鼓励成年人每天进行至少30分钟的适度锻炼，能够消耗能量的任何身体运动都可以。"

"包括行走、骑车、玩耍、做家务、爬楼梯以及各项体育运动。"

他补充说，儿童每天至少要锻炼1个小时。
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