A RECENT report by Medicspot, a leading healthcare provider with more than 300 clinics across the UK, revealed Thurrock is among the top 50 most physically inactive places in England.

Medicspot placed the borough as the 32nd most physically inactive place in England with 27% of adults being classified as physically inactive, more than the average for England.

The NHS recommends that adults should do a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week to stay healthy.

Dr Johnson D'souza, Medical Director at Medicspot, said: "There are many ways people in Thurrock can be more active, including riding a bike, brisk walking or pushing a lawnmower, all of which count towards the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise for adults."

Alternatively, NHS guidelines advise that 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity can give similar health benefits to 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity.

"Vigorous intensity activity makes you breathe hard and fast. This includes running, skipping, riding a bike uphill, and sports like football, rugby and netball", explains Dr D'souza.

A physically active lifestyle has been shown to help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease and stroke compared to those with a sedentary lifestyle.

Regular exercise has also been associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, obesity and certain types of cancer, as well as having a positive effect on mental health.

Among children and young people in the borough, 46% are classified as physically active, in line with the average for England.

It is recommended that children and young people aged 5 to 18 should be physically active for an average of at least an hour per day across the week.

The report suggests that a significant number of adolescents are not doing enough exercise, with only 47% meeting the minimum criteria across the country.

"It's important to encourage children and adolescents to get involved in a variety of different types of physical activity to establish positive habits that they can carry through into adulthood", says Dr D'souza.

Recent estimates suggest that physical inactivity directly costs the NHS around £900 million per year.

The report comes from Medicspot, a digital health service that allows Thurrock residents to book online and see a doctor in an M D Moore Pharmacy. Find out more via red additional information button below.