Risk of stroke, coronary heart disease, depression and other life-threatening conditions can be reduced through regular outdoor walking in groups, according to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).
Findings published today in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveal that people who regularly walk in groups have lower blood pressure, resting heart rate and total cholesterol.
The exercise also leads to a reduction in body fat and Body Mass Index (BMI).
In England, at least 29 per cent of adults do less than 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every week. Almost one in 10 don't manage to walk for more than five minutes at a time over a month.
Researchers say the findings point to a cost-effective and low-risk way of enhancing overall health. Doctors should recommend joining a walking group as a way of boosting health, researchers added.
The study was led by Sarah Hanson and Prof Andy Jones of UEA's Norwich Medical School.
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