Lack of physical exercise as harmful to health as smoking

London: 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.