Image: The report outlines seven recommendations

The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has cited the Fitness Industry Association (FIA) as a "key collaborator" for the UK's medical profession in its new physical activity report.

Exercise for Life: Physical activity in health and disease was released today (12 July) and supports the Joint Consultative Forum - a collaboration between fitness and medicine.

It is the first time the FIA has been formally recognised by the royal medical community and was produced by Colonel John Etherington on behalf of the RCP.

The report includes seven recommendations designed to ensure exercise is incorporated as a routine part of the prevention and management of chronic conditions.

According to the report, current use of physical activity is "subject to well-meaning but often transient" initiatives and clear standards are needed to outline exercise referral programme processes.

Recommendations include a new medically-driven national strategy for the use of exercise in disease prevention and treatment, as well as the regulation of therapists who treat patients.

The training of medical students in exercise and preventative medicine and the use of Quality Outcomes Framework incentives for physical activity are also encouraged.

FIA CEO David Stalker said: "It is fantastic that the medical community has embraced exercise and physical activity as a routine part of the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

"We will not achieve this aim overnight and the report correctly makes many points which we may now take on board. I have no doubt that through the Joint Consultative Forum we are once again well placed to carry forward these points and many more."

The forum comprises the FIA and the RCP, along with the Royal College of Psychiatrists; and the Royal College of General Practitioners among others.

Details: www.rcplondon.ac.uk

Image: Tyler Olson/shutterstock.com