Study finds just five minutes of daily exercise could help prevent early deaths

It’s time for your Health Today, brought to you by Inland Empire Health Plan.

New research shows that even small amounts of daily movement can make a meaningful difference when it comes to long-term health.

Researchers publishing in The Lancet analyzed data from large studies tracking tens of thousands of people across the United States, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Their goal was to understand how modest increases in physical activity affect overall health outcomes.

The findings suggest that adding just five minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day could prevent up to 10 percent of deaths across the population. Researchers also found that reducing daily sitting time by about 30 minutes could prevent up to roughly 7 percent of deaths for some individuals.

Moderate to vigorous activity can include brisk walking, cycling, or other forms of movement that raise the heart rate.

Experts say the results reinforce a growing body of evidence showing a strong link between physical activity and longer life expectancy. Even small, manageable changes in daily routines — like standing more often or taking short activity breaks — can help improve overall health.

The message from researchers is clear: moving more, even a little, can make a big impact over time.

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