Lack of physical exercise 'as harmful to health as smoking'

Lack of physical exercise is as detrimental to health as smoking, alcohol abuse and diabetes combined, it has been revealed.

According to chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns, international research had shown a lack of physical activity was a major risk factor for early death, the Scotsman reported.

Harry asserted that doctors should give patients advice on what exercise to do and ways to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Doctors agreed that exercise plays a key part in improving the nation's health, but warned that time was often against them when it came to giving fitness guidance to patients.

The study will be presented in a meeting at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.