I M on a bit of a diet at the moment. I like to think that Im still a fine figure of a man - but, basically I am looking to recalibrate my lifestyle.

Good eh? You see Lifestyle in this context, is the new buzzword for shedding a few unwanted kilos and flattening ones stomach. To be totally honest with you, it appears that only really fat people go on diets, the rest of us Seek to improve our Lifestyle.

There is a theory that all diets, by their very nature, are condemned to failure. Nobody can survive on 500 calories a day ad-infinitum, without ever eating another pizza, bag of chips, or supping a cold beer on a summers day - so the best way to slim down, is to make small but long term adjustments to your eating habits.

Nor does it help when a censorious partner points out to you, when you are enjoying a glass of wine after a hard days toil writing for you lot - Every glass of that stuff, is like eating a cream doughnut you know. I may be on a change of Lifestyle with all that this entails, but Im certainly not going to become a fanatic about it. However, as one tries ones best to resist hunks of cheese in crusty baguettes approximately six inches thick; there is no doubt that the battle to stay looking fabulous, is not fought on an even playing field.

I have a female friend who tells me that she only has to look at a sausage roll and hey-presto - there it is, on her thighs, or was that her bum? Many years ago a colleague of mine decided to try to lose some weight that he had acquired sat at a typewriter staring into space. For six months all he ate was tinned tuna on a baked potato, three times a day.

Being a journalist he wasnt going to give up the demon drink, and as he explained to me at the time - Im not a complete nutcase you know. Happily, or perhaps unhappily, my old friend was a single man and so without any distractions he lost more than 10 kilos in just over 4 months. Alas, because his diet was so extreme - there was no-way he could sustain it - and after just a few more months he was back to his old chubby and tuna free ways.

I thought that I would stick that bit in - so as to warn you against following such drastic action in your own battle-of-the-bulge(s). Recently, I noticed that our food at home was being served on different plates.As you can imagine - hunger and the tricks it can play on a chaps mind has started to show itself; but, Im assured that subtle moves to cut down on food portions, such as using smaller plates are a much better bet than a starvation diet of baked potatoes, tinned fish and six pints a day.

Indeed, it was explained to me once, in an extremely patronising manner - that when it comes to the food you eat Your eyes are the only arbiter of portion control, which I have to say made me want to punch him really hard. Anyway, this Lifestyle approach to food and eating certainly has its merits, the main one being - that nothing, yet nothing, you want to eat is forbidden; its all about when and how much it seems. And if thats the deal, I am happy for a change in Lifestyle - but are you fatso?

Before I get too carried away with food and eating, it is a painful fact that eating less food is only one way of losing excess weight - and crucially keeping that weight off you! Indeed, that old adage regarding fighting-the-flab i.e. eat less, move about more - is much more than just an inane slogan. As a bloke who is prone to piling on the pounds at this time of year, I have recently foresworn all manner of foodstuffs, this wont last of course - but, its a start isnt it?

No, the key to weight loss, is not the latest diet or Lifestyle pronouncement, but the simple fact that as humans we are designed to move around, not to sit on a sofa eating inappropriate foodstuffs and breaking wind. I read somewhere recently, that one of the few plusses of this pandemic was that more and more people, certainly here in Majorca, have literally taken to the hills with their families and friends and spent time walking. You remember walking dont you? Yes, you know - one foot in front of the other - leaving the car at home or parked up safely somewhere and stretching your legs.

Alas, there are always people who want to turn this modest exercise activity into something far grander - competitive almost! It seems that on a persons iPhone there is an App that can count the steps that you have made at any given time during the day. Dear Lord, what will they think of next? Anyway, if you are out walking, be prepared to be confronted by a very smug person who will tell you that they have walked approximately - 4,763 steps already today and just as you start to laugh you realise that theyre serious.

This leads me to the ultimate question regarding whether you are a couch potato or not. If you mostly watch the television stood up in the kitchen and constantly wander around the house and garden with your hands behind your back, you need help. But, not as much help - if you sit watching the telly in a sedentary position with your mouth open all day long, save for the regular consumption of a nutritious takeaway.

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Yunaidi Joepoet/ Getty Images Green coffee is an unroasted form of coffee. Yunaidi Joepoet/ Getty Images

Green coffee beans are the same type of beans that you use to make coffee each morning. The difference is that the beans you use are brown because they've been roasted, whereas green coffee beans are raw beans that have not been roasted.

Green coffee is marketed as a weight loss supplement that can help you burn fat fast, without any diet or exercise. However, while there is some preliminary evidence that it could potentially help with weight loss and blood pressure, some studies have been found to be flawed and further research is required to establish its benefits.People also take green coffee for other conditions like Alzheimer's disease and bacterial infections, although there isn't much evidence that it helps.

Here's what you need to know about green coffee and its benefits and side effects.

Green coffee is sold as a beverage or as a supplement. A cup of green coffee looks and tastes similar to a green tea drink. The supplement is typically a pill containing a concentrated green coffee extract.

Green coffee contains polyphenol compounds known as chlorogenic acids, which are plant-based micronutrients. The roasting process can reduce these compounds, so regular coffee doesn't have as much chlorogenic acid as green coffee.

Like regular coffee, green coffee also contains caffeine. Green coffee extracts can contain up to 17% caffeine. The amount of caffeine you get would vary depending on the brand, method of preparation, and amount consumed.

"Green coffee is thought to have health benefits due to the high amount of chlorogenic acids, which act as antioxidants," says Rebecca Tonnessen, RDN, at the Hospital for Special Surgery's Department of Food & Nutrition Services.

However, any benefits still have to be conclusively proven by science; while there has been some research investigating the benefits of green coffee, it is still preliminary. "Many studies done on green coffee have been conducted on animals or have a very small sample size," says Tonnessen.

Gallery: 12 Side Effects of Drinking Tea Every Day (Eat This, Not That!)

For instance, a small 2018 study with around 40 participants diagnosed with metabolic syndrome found that green coffee extract combined with a balanced diet helped participants lose weight. The participants also saw improvements in their blood pressure as well as some markers of diabetes, like fasting blood sugar, and insulin resistance. The participants took 400 milligrams of green coffee extract twice a day for four weeks.

According to the United States National Library of Medicine, the evidence from studies investigating the impact of green coffee on obesity and blood pressure is still inconclusive. There also isn't sufficient evidence showing that green coffee can benefit diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, or other health conditions.

"Green coffee as a drink can be safely taken as long as your daily caffeine intake does not exceed 400 milligrams," says Tonnessen. If consumed in larger quantities, caffeine can cause side effects like:

Caffeine - whether from green or black coffee - is also not recommended for people who have certain health conditions. For instance, people who have heart problems may be advised to avoid caffeine as it can cause the heart to start pounding harder or beating erratically.

People who experience anxiety and insomnia may also find that caffeine exacerbates their symptoms.

If you're on any medication, you should consult your healthcare provider before you take caffeine supplements.Caffeine-free green coffee capsules are on the market, but you should still take caution when using them. Consult your healthcare professional first before taking them.

"Drinking green coffee in liquid form is fine if you prefer green coffee to regular coffee. Consult with your healthcare practitioner regarding green coffee supplements. Caution should be taken with green coffee supplements due to their caffeine content and potential to interact with other medications," says Tonnessen.

There are countless supplements that are marketed as miraculous weight loss remedies, green coffee among them. While preliminary research on green coffee supplements has shown promise, its benefits have yet to be established with conclusive evidence. In fact, green coffee supplements have come under scrutiny for deceptive marketing practices and fraudulent weight loss claims. Therefore, a cautionary approach is recommended when it comes to the supplements, although drinking moderate amounts of green coffee is considered safe for most people.

"Green coffee can add variety and flavor to your morning routine and may provide some additional benefits over coffee. It may be more of a trend; however if you prefer green coffee over regular coffee, tea, or matcha, there's no harm in drinking it," says Tonnessen.

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ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) Many people are spending more time outdoors during the COVID pandemic. Some may consider going fishing this winter. The Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Albany County wants to make sure New Yorkers in the East-Central region fish safely in the coming months.

According to the CCE, the Department of Environmental Conservation says ice is not safe yet on ponds, bays of lakes and river backwaters.Due to mild weather in recent weeks, it may be possible to access local bodies of water close to your home. This can help keep your trip short and help you avoid high traffic destinations.

Fish can be an important part of a healthy diet.However, in the section of the Hudson River from the Troy Dam to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill, the CCE says there are unsafe levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the water and in the fish. PCBs are an industrial waste chemicals which can build up in your body over time.

Health problems that may result from eating fish with PCBs range from small changes over time, that are hard to detect, to effects on birthweight and cancer. Women who eat highly contaminated fish and become pregnant may have an increased risk of having children who are slower to develop and learn.

The CCE says exposure to contaminants may have a greater effect on young children than adults. For women over 50 years of age and men older than 15, four species of fish (rock bass, yellow perch, alewife and blueback herring) from this stretch of the Hudson River can be eaten once a month. South of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in Catskill, more species fish can be eaten up to one meal per month, including striped bass.

Fortunately, the CCE says the majority of waters in Albany County are clean and the whole family can eat a meal of fish caught in them once a week.

Two water bodies in Albany County are Ann Lee Pond in Colonie, and Thompsons Lake in Berne/Knox. They are both popular for ice fishing and have public access to fishing. Go to http://www.health.ny.gov/fish to find a list of fishing waters with public access.

Fish species that are common in Ann Lee Pond include Common Carp, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, Black Crappie and Yellow Perch. In addition to those fish, Thompsons Lake also has Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Chain Pickerel.

Be prepared for changing winter weather conditions like snow, ice and cold weather by wearing layers of clothing.In case of an emergency, you might consider planning ahead and bringing things like first aid supplies, food and water, a map and sun protection. Finally, you should let someone know your route and return time in the case of getting lost or stuck at your fishing location.

Check the DEC website for licenses and regulations pertaining to fresh water fishing in Upstate New York.

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Jan. 8, 2021 -- Lucy McBride, MD, is a primary care doctor in Washington, DC, who makes time during appointments to address her patients physical and mental health in tandem. Never in her 20-year career, she says, has she seen the need for mental health support as great as it is now.

COVID-19 has basically poured lighter fluid on a preexisting fire, she says. We already had diseases of despair at very high levels in terms of addiction, depression, trauma, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and more. The pandemic has only heightened preexisting mental health challenges. And many people are being forced to reckon with their mental health for the first time."

Kati Duncan, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist in Chesapeake, VA, is seeing the same. Ive been in practice for 15 years and have never seen it like this, she says. The need for therapy has increased, but the number of therapists has not. We all have waitlists, are working more days and longer hours, and taking tougher cases.

Duncan says she cant take on any more patients, and many of her colleagues are also booked solid. In fact, I recently tried to get somebody help who was in crisis, and I really had to pull some strings to make it happen, she says.

Theres no question the nations mental health system is stressed and strained amid the increased need that COVID-19 continues to create. And that help is also harder to find -- not only because of the availability of mental health professionals, but also because money is tight for many, counseling often isnt covered by insurance, and many simply cant afford it.

So what should you do if you or someone you love is in need of support? Here are some ideas.

Doctors say that first, its important to understand the toll COVID-19 is taking on our collective mental health. McBride says were seeing the effects of widespread trauma on society. Trauma is the reaction to feeling unsafe. Were wired for safety, and with an invisible, ubiquitous, and potentially lethal virus in circulation, we simply don't feel safe. As a result, people are struggling with fear, vulnerability, worry, depression, and often adopt behaviors to numb those uncomfortable feelings.

The DC-based doctor says the trauma is only worsened when you or someone you know or love actually gets COVID-19, as her husband did in November. The anxiety of having it in your home is intense. You have no idea if your loved one will experience minor symptoms, end up in the hospital, or die. You also worry about who else you might have infected without knowing it. The ripple effects are huge."

With more than 21 million cases confirmed in the United States, these fears are widespread.

Having this level of fear, vulnerability and uncertainty hang over our heads for months takes a toll that has vast amounts of people needing professional mental health support. But that help can be hard to find for a variety of reasons.

That's one of the hardest things about seeking mental health care. When we need it, we're often emotionally and mentally overwhelmed and unable to find it, says Lynn Bufka, PhD, senior director of practice transformation and quality at the American Psychological Association, and a licensed clinical psychologist who sees patients in Maryland.

Add to that, right now, the sources of support we normally rely on like friends and family are likely socially distant because of the pandemic and may also be equally overwhelmed, stressed, struggling, and unable to help like they typically do. Our capacity to cope is stretched pretty thin right now.

There are often financial barriers, too. Mental health services often arent covered by insurance, and getting help is generally pricey. A session of therapy costs $65 to $250 in the U.S., but most people pay between $100 and $200 per session.

Mental health professionals in the U.S. are also stretched quite thin now. We have our members telling us that they are busier now than they have been and that they have more referrals than they know what to do with, Bufka says. People are seeking help everywhere. There are waitlists, and its very hard to keep up with the demand right now.

There were shortages of mental health professionals before the pandemic. Data shows there were 30 psychologists and 15 psychiatrists per every 100,000 people in the U.S., and in some places, that radio dropped to just one professional for every 30,000 people. (Thats compared to nearly 280 doctors in general per 100,000 people in the United States). Data from Mental Health America also shows almost a quarter (22.3%) of all adults with a mental illness say they arent able to get the treatment they need. That number has stayed steady since 2011.

Bufka says theres no doubt the search for mental health help is complicated by the fact that providers arent always where the need is. We know that there are many more mental health providers on the coasts than in the middle of the country; and in the South, there are fewer than say in other parts of the country. But that doesn't mean the need is less in those parts of the country, she says.

Its a complex situation, and experts say there are no easy answers. If somebody is having suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, certainly go to an emergency room, call 911, or talk to your health care provider to get immediate help. For those not at that crisis point, but still feeling distressed and overwhelmed, Bufka admits that accessing care becomes far more challenging amid such demand. Thats where the options for help become harder to find. Youre not going to be pushed to the top of the list to get into care because you're not an imminent threat to yourself or others. But how long does a person continue struggling and struggling and struggling?

The pandemic is highlighting a variety of ways to access support. Telehealth is one, and Bufka says research does show that it works well. I think it's important to make sure people know that telehealth, receiving mental health care via video conferencing and actually over the phone, has been demonstrated to be as effective as in the office, face-to-face with somebody, she says.

Other places you can look for support:

Digital resources: Mental health apps offer support through cognitive behavioral therapy, self-care exercises, meditation, and more, including Happify, Headspace, Calm, MoodKit, MindShift, Bloom CBT Therapy and Self Care App, and others. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America reviews some of them and posts the results on its website.

Many people are turning to text therapy, too. The services have been around since before the pandemic through companies like BetterHelp, Talkspace, and others. They allow patients to send audio, photos, video, or texts to therapists. Some offer live video sessions and telehealth options.

Amy Cirbus, PhD, is a licensed mental health counselor in New York City and a licensed professional counselor in New Jersey. She saw patients face-to-face for 10 years before becoming the director of clinical content at Talkspace, an online therapy platform with thousands of providers. She now sees clients in her private practice and on the Talkspace platform and says demand is definitely up during the pandemic.

Weve seen an overall increase in demand for services, specifically with clients who are seeking therapy for the first time, and these numbers continue to climb, she says. Likewise, we're seeing people who have previously felt they've overcome mental health hurdles feel they need to return to therapy, but are unable to get to there for a number of different reasons.

Cirbus says that therapy through digital platforms is different from traditional methods and that its important to set clear expectations at the start. But she says this format can be incredibly useful for many.

Bufka says that data isnt as clear or robust when it comes to text therapy. There have been some studies showing patients connect well with their therapists via text, but the studies are very small. The American Psychological Association has tips on its website if you are considering online therapy.

McBride, the primary care doctor, says virtual therapy is only as good as the relationship with your therapist, but it can be very helpful -- and provide a lifeline -- for many.

Ultimately, you need a safe, nonjudgmental space to work on mental health issues, she says. If that starts with your doctor, great. And if you can find that through online or virtual therapy, that is a step in the right direction.

Experts stress that in an ideal world, you should have a therapist if you need one, and they urge people to keep looking for one, even if its hard. But they also stress there is much we can do -- with or without a therapist -- to manage increased stress with small life changes and mental mind shifts.

For the person who's lost their job or facing eviction, this will feel out of touch with their world, Bufka stresses. But for those who are feeling stressed and overwhelmed but still have some stability, there is an opportunity to reframe what's going on.

Start with an evaluation of 24 hours of your life, and look at small tweaks you can make to help your mental and emotional health.

I do this with myself, she says. Have I been sitting all day? OK, I need to get up and go on a walk. Have I been eating cookies and Doritos and Diet Coke all day? I know Ill feel better if I have a salad too. I try to do a little self-assessment and then correct what I can.

Focus on just one thing at a time rather than trying to make many changes to your life at once, she says. No one thing in isolation will solve your problems, but it could be the first step to giving you more control over your day and perhaps a little space in your life to slow down and not feel overwhelmed. That could be going for a short walk each day, eating dinner as a family, or having a dance party when the school day ends.

Bufka suggests talking with friends or loved ones about becoming someone you check in with daily to stay on track with your goals. She also says if you find yourself spiraling into anxious thoughts about all that you cant control with the virus, you can zero in on what is in your control. I can control whether I wear a mask when I go out in public, whether I call my mom and talk to her every week just to check in, or have long conversations with my best friend who lives 700 miles away when we're both walking our dogs, Bufka says.

Intentionally searching for the good in your day -- even if its small things like no longer having to commute, deal with traffic, spend money on tolls, etc. -- can also help shift you toward a more positive mindset she says.

McBride offers suggestions to people in a newsletter she started during the pandemic that now has more than 8,000 subscribers. She writes often about the intersection of physical and mental health during the pandemic and what people can do to manage all they are feeling or struggling with. Some of her recommendations include:

She says she urges her patients to have hope because, she says, as hard as this pandemic has been, there are hopeful signs on the horizon.

She recently got the first dose of a COVID vaccine and says she was amazed at the mental load that lifted for her. She shared this in her newsletter and is talking about it with patients to make sure people realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Now that we have a little bit of hope, it can make it feel a bit easier to get through the day, McBride says. It feels like help is on the way.

WebMD Health News

Amy Cirbus, PhD, Talkspace, New York City.

Lucy McBride, MD, Foxhall Internists, Washington, DC.

LucyMcBride.com.

Lynn Bufka, PhD, American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.

American Psychological Association.

Death Studies: Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy for complicated grief: a randomized controlled trial.

Psychiatric Services: Outcomes of 98,609 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs patients enrolled in telemental health services, 2006-2010.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Physically Distanced but Digitally Connected: The Alcoholics Anonymous Message Carries On Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Anxiety and Depression Association of America: ADAA-Reviewed Mental Health Apps.

American Psychological Association. What You Need to Know Before Choosing Online Therapy.

Goodtherapy.org: Is There a Shortage of Mental Health Professionals in America? How Much Does Therapy Cost?

Mental Health America: Adults With AMI Reporting Unmet Need 2020.

National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI HelpLine.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Talkspace.com.

The Trevor Project

UnitedWay.org.

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COVID Stressing the Nation's Stress Therapy System - WebMD

Waist trainers have gained popularity as a tool to help achieve an hourglass figure, but there's no proof that they are able to permanently change the shape of your body or aid in long-term weight loss. Rather, they may do more harm than good.

Waist trainers are compression garments that many celebrities claim can aid in weight loss and slimming waists.

Waist trainers are a modern iteration of corsets, a garment that dates back to the 1500s. They are commonly made of a thick material like latex, neoprene, or spandex, and use zippers, velcro, or hook-and-eye closures like the ones found on the back of bras to compress the waist and abdomen into an "hourglass" shape.

But personal trainers say waist trainers are unlikely to help with long-term weight loss and can have dangerous side effects. Here's why:

Waist trainers compress the abdomen and diaphragm. The diaphragm is a muscle in the chest right below your lungs that helps you breathe. As the diaphragm contracts and relaxes, air is pushed into and expelled from the lungs.

Natalie Toshkoff, DPT, a pelvic floor physical therapist based in New York, says that waist trainers restrict the diaphragm and can interrupt the natural breathing process.

"Waist trainers interfere with the natural pattern of breathing, not allowing the diaphragm to fully descend as the lungs fill with air and compressing the outward motion of the ribcage," Toshkoff says. "This can lead to using smaller accessory muscles in your shoulders and neck for breathing, leading to shallower breaths and tension in your upper body."

A small 2018 study found women who took various pulmonary function tests, or tests that measure the amount of air inhaled and exhaled by the lungs, exhibited shortness of breath, sweating, and increased pain while wearing waist trainers compared to without.

"The core's natural process of contracting and stretching during physical activity becomes prohibited by the compression and pressure from waist trainers," says Brandon Nicholas, a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer. "It also causes the diaphragm muscles to slowly degrade and ultimately cause breathing issues in the long run."

While waist trainers may provide the appearance of a slimmer physique, any weight loss experienced while using one is temporary, as it's mostly water weight.

Water makes up a large part of the human body. But water retention or "bloating" occurs when excess water is stored in the body's tissue and membranes, oftentimes in the abdomen. Compression garments, like waist trainers, reduce the amount of swelling or bloating by promoting blood flow, but the effect is temporary.

"When the body's water gets replenished again, that weight will come back," Nicholas says. "Real weight loss happens when superficial water weight is eliminated and you've managed to actually burn fat underneath. This prompts a slimmer physique and toned appearance."

Additionally, waist trainers can lead to a loss of muscle, causing a lowered metabolism, increased risk of injury, and fatigue.

"Waist trainers completely support the canister of your midsection known as your core and therefore your muscles do not have to work to actively support you, thereby weakening over time," Toshkoff says.

During pregnancy, the muscles in the abdomen stretch, which can sometimes lead to diastasis recti, a condition where the rectus muscles two parallel bands of muscles that meet in the middle of the abdomen become separated. Diastasis recti can cause a bulge in the abdomen and can weaken abdominal muscles.

According to Toshkoff, some people use a waist trainer to help bring rectus muscles back together. However, this method doesn't promote the long-term recovery needed to heal the condition.

Although waist trainers may temporarily help postpartum, you still should not wear one. That's because they increase the risk of uterine prolapse. Uterine prolapse is a common condition after childbirth whereby the weakened muscles and ligaments in the abdomen cause the uterus to slip down into the birth canal or even outside of the vagina.

"Waist trainers cause increased pressure on your abdomen, leading to more stress on your pelvic floor," Toshkoff says. "While most prolapse improves over time, using a waist trainer can worsen prolapse given the increased pressure downward on the pelvic floor."

While mild uterine prolapse generally doesn't cause symptoms, signs of a more severe prolapse can include:

Modern fashion and popular culture place intense pressure on women to achieve an hourglass figure, but having a slim waist does not equate to health, and it might not be possible for you depending on your unique bone structure and body shape.

If you are overweight and concerned about your health, it's possible to lose weight with healthy habits rather than wearing a waist trainer. If you want to safely lose weight, the CDC recommends:

Waist trainers may be an appealing shortcut to a slim figure, but there is no proof that they actually aid in weight loss efforts. Rather, waist trainers can have negative health consequences like disrupting breathing and increasing the risk of postpartum prolapse.

If you're having trouble losing weight, consider talking to a healthcare professional instead of spending your money on a gimmick.

"Waist trainers, and other similar quick fixes do not help anybody achieve long-term fitness goals," Nicholas says. "Before using one, be mindful of how much of your body will be compromised just to get that perfect hourglass body shape."

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Why waist trainers are dangerous for your health and safer alternatives to help you lose weight - Insider - INSIDER

Risk stratify patients before recommending a return to physical activity in people who have had covid-19. Patients with ongoing symptoms or who had severe covid-19 or a history suggestive of cardiac involvement need further clinical assessment

Only return to exercise after at least seven days free of symptoms, and begin with at least two weeks of minimal exertion

Use daily self monitoring to track progress, including when to seek further help

Our professional experience suggests that, after mild suspected covid-19, a proportion of people experience a prolonged recovery, particularly when trying to return to exercise. Moreover, there is increasing recognition of potential long term complications of covid-19, including enduring illness (post-acute or long covid), cardiopulmonary disease, and psychological sequelae in some people.1234 This article offers a pragmatic approach to help patients safely return to physical activity after symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, focusing on those who have lost fitness or had a prolonged period of inactivity but who do not have an enduring post-acute covid-19 illness. It is based on current evidence and consensus statements, and our own multidisciplinary experience in sports and exercise medicine, rehabilitation, and primary care.

The health benefits of being physically active, from cardiovascular to mental health, are well established.56 Conversely, the harms of physical inactivity mean it is a major risk factor for non-communicable disease worldwide, alongside others such as cigarette smoking or obesity.7 Before the covid-19 pandemic, over a third of people in the UK were not physically active enough for good health.8 There is evidence of a further decline in physical activity since the start of the pandemic for people with chronic conditions such as obesity and hypertension9; conditions associated with worse outcomes from covid-19.10 Brief advice in primary care can help people to

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