Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, has today published a hard-hitting report on physical activity and health in England that he has called a ‘wake-up call’ to the nation.

The report, entitled At Least Five A Week, includes a stark warning over the health risks posed by Britain’s ‘coach potato’ culture and estimates that the annual cost of obesity and inactivity is around £10bn a year.

It encourages adults to achieve at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day, on five or more days of the week – or risk developing a possibly fatal disease.

Sir Liam said: “People need to stay active over the whole of their lives if they are to stave off obesity and killer diseases like cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes and cancer.

“We are moving less than our parents and grandparents. This is a major risk factor for the nation’s health and we now need to find ways to build activity into our daily lives.”

The report claims that up to two thirds of men and three quarters of women do not take enough physical activity to achieve a health benefit.

More worryingly, a quarter of adults and six per cent of children are now obese, while the cost of treating chronic diseases and the indirect cost caused through physical inactivity is around £8.2bn a year.

Sir Liam said: “This report must be the wake-up call that changes attitudes to active lifestyles in every household. Being active is no longer an option – it's essential if we are to live healthy and fulfilling lives into old age.”

The report also appeals to the public sector to increase its responsibility in the struggle against obesity.

Said Sir Liam: “Regional directors of public health should work in tandem with regional sports boards, leisure services, regional development agencies and industry to develop and deliver an evidence-based regional physical activity plan and monitor progress."

Health club operators were quick to respond favourably to the report.

Mike Balfour, managing director of Fitness First, told Leisure Opportunities: "It is an excellent report and leaves no doubt that the British people need to lead an active lifestyle through exercise, if they are to have a healthy life.

"Although the report does not directly advocate th euse of gyms, it is clear that everybody needs to exercise and everybody has the freedom of choice as to how they do it – it is up to us to persuade them that it is safer and better to exercise in fitness clubs."

Ministers will now consider the report, as they draw up the forthcoming White Paper on public health.

Health secretary, John Reid, said: “Following the publication of this excellent report, the challenge for all of us – the government, business, the voluntary sector and individuals themselves – is now how to achieve a more active lifestyle.” Details: www.dh.gov.uk