Fitness: The widespread use of mobile phones and remote controls means Irish people on average are walking 400 metres less a day. What's more, the use of modern technology is not only depriving people of exercise, it is directly related to weight gain.
By annualising this figure and calculating the reduced energy expenditure associated with it, the average person would accumulate up to 0.8 kgs of fat every year as a result, according to Professor Cecily Kelleher of UCD.
She told the inaugural Scientific Meeting of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland at the weekend that specific measures aimed at increasing exercise among children were needed, but not a blame game. "It is important that we do not get into a vicious circle that affects the self-esteem of a child. "
Prof Kelleher, who is professor of public health medicine and epidemiology at UCD noted the 2003 Slán survey showed the percentage of people doing no exercise at all was linked to gender, age and educational status. Among females, almost 40 per cent of those aged 18-34 who left school after primary education undertook no exercise.
"The Health Behaviour in School Going Children Survey found 59 per cent of boys compared to 38 per cent of girls exercised four or more times per week to the point where they got out of breath or sweated," she said. "14 per cent of girls and 8 per cent of boys exercised less than once a week."
No matter how moderate the amount, taking exercise is beneficial for a broad range of health issues, according to Dr Domhnall McAuley, a specialist in sports and exercise medicine in Belfast. Exercise needed to be regarded as a ladder, he added. "Everyone needs to do a little more and move up a rung."
Current guidelines in Britain recommend that adults undertake at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise (such as brisk walking) on at least five days each week.
Dr McAuley said this level of activity would benefit those at risk of coronary heart disease but that fit men and women need more vigorous exercise. He defined vigorous exercise as nine minutes of jogging per day, nine minutes of doubles tennis or seven minutes of stair climbing.
Opening the conference, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern said: "Similar to the recent success of the workplace smoking ban, lifestyle behaviours can be influenced through public policy and environmental support."