
Small daily strides, big health gains for the least active
An analysis of about 135,000 people finds that adding five minutes of brisk daily activity could cut premature deaths by roughly 6% in the least active group (10% if adopted across the whole population), and cutting sitting time by 30 minutes daily could prevent 3–7% of premature deaths. Benefits are greatest for the most sedentary. A second Lancet study suggests that small, simultaneous changes in sleep, activity, and diet can markedly extend healthy life years, with accelerometer data strengthening the results but not proving causation. Following WHO guidelines (about 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) remains a prudent target.











