NICE – Interventions to increase physical activity
Interventions to increase physical activity should:
- focus on activities that fit easily into people's everyday life (such as walking)
- be tailored to people's individual preferences and circumstances
- aim to improve people's belief in their ability to change (for example, by verbal persuasion, modelling exercise behaviour and discussing positive effects)
Ongoing support (including appropriate written materials) should be given in person or by phone, mail or internet.
Interventions to improve diet (and reduce energy intake) should be multicomponent (for example, including dietary modification, targeted advice, family involvement and goal setting), be tailored to the individual and provide ongoing support.
Interventions may include promotional, awareness-raising activities, but these should be part of a long-term, multicomponent intervention rather than one-off activities (and should be accompanied by targeted follow-up with different population groups).
Discuss weight, diet and activity with people at times when weight gain is more likely, such as during and after pregnancy, the menopause and while stopping smoking.
Actively involve parents and carers in all actions aimed at preventing excess weight gain and improving diet (including reducing energy intake) and activity levels in children and young people.