A new report from MPs has sounded the alarm on the UK's exercise crisis,revealing that a lack of physical activity is costing the country £7.4 billion a year and driving one in six deaths.

The £7.4 Billion Exercise Blind Spot

The report highlights the alarming statistic that low levels of physical activity are a 'major driver' of ill health in later life, with many elderly Britons riddled with disease.

A lack of exercise is linked to an array of health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes , heart disease, and cancer.

Exercise as Important as Medication

The report emphasizes that exercise is just as important as medication for keeping older people healthy,but too little is being done to encourage it .

Health professionals are a trusted source of advice, but too many people report never being encouraged to be active.

MPs Call for Action

The MPs have called for action from the Government and the NHS, saying routine conversations with patients about exercise should be 'embedded' in clinical practice.

The report also highlights the unacceptable 20-year gap in healthy life expectancy between the most and least deprived areas of the country .

Preventing Dementia, Disability, and Death

The report says that increasing movement – especially among the least active – can prevent many of the leading causes of death, prevent the onset of frailty, dementia , and disability.