A LEADING Ayrshire-based GP has said that stats which show Scotland’s inactivity statistics are higher than the worldwide average are “extremely worrying”.

Dr Emma Lunan appointed in May as chair of Movement for Health, a coalition group of Scotland’s leading health charities with the mission of supporting patients with long term health conditions to become more physically active.

A recent report revealed that more than one million people in Scotland are living with health conditions such as arthritis and heart disease.

Yet 46 per centof these people are inactive – a figure double that of the general population.

Dr Lunan, who is based in Ayr, hopes the call to action report will highlight key challenges faced by the nation and how Scottish legislative powers can make a difference.

She said: “The damning statistics on our nation’s health is extremely worrying and we must act now to prevent this from deteriorating further.

“Despite the challenges of the pandemic, we have seen a great number of people embracing the outdoors and looking for innovative ways to stay active.

“We must use this momentum, along with proper support from our new Scottish Parliament, to mark inactivity as a priority as we move into the summer months.

“Prehabilitation, recovery and rehabilitation are critical to addressing the long-term effects of medical conditions, including Covid-19, and so we all must recognise – from governmental level down to local community groups – that everyone will benefit from being outdoors more.”

Twenty four percent of Scottish adults have at least one long-term health condition, and they are twice as likely to be inactive than those who do not.

Dr Lunan, added: “Movement for Health will do everything it can to promote the health benefits of leading an active life and is committed to improving the nation’s health by encouraging physical activity, even if it is a short 10 minute walk around the block.”