One short walk a week is a step too far for many adults
obesity.
Separate statistics from Public Health England show almost two-thirds (62%) of adults in England are overweight, with the organisation warning obesity is linked to severe symptoms and death from coronavirus.
Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE, said: "Just ten minutes every day is a good start and can have health benefits but more is better and now more than ever avoiding public transport if possible and walking to work or to the shops makes even more sense.”
The figures also show Sunderland residents were even less likely to cycle than walk, with just six per cent riding bikes at least once a week – and 27% said they neither walked or cycled at least once every four weeks.
The Government's new strategy to help people lose weight includes over £2billion in safe walking and cycling routes, a ban on some junk food promotions and stricter advertising controls.
A spokesman said: “We are determined to tackle the problem of obesity across all ages.”
According to the Sport England survey, the average annual distance travelled on foot by people across England fell to 205 miles last year – down from 210 miles the year before.
The Royal College of GPs said regular physical exercise can have significant benefits to both physical and mental health.
Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the group, said: "There are lots of forms of exercise that patients can do that are free, easily accessible, and doable for patients of all fitness levels.
"Walking is a great example that is easy to incorporate into everyday life for most patients."