Everything Counts: Messaging about Physical Activity

New guidelines on physical activity from the World Health Organization remove the need for aerobic activity to occur in bouts of at least 10 min duration. In a commentary for the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Michelle Segar (IRWG research scientist and SHARP director) and co-authors argue for new messaging strategies. They note that traditional approaches have been ineffective: “Communicating about physical activity has been based on the evidence about its relationship with health but it has often not been in accordance with the science about changing behavior or communicating about health.”  Inclusive messaging like everything counts has potential to motivate longer-term behavioral change. Read the full commentary.