'I'm a doctor and a free habit is the best way to add years to your life'

'I'm a doctor and a free habit is the best way to add years to your life'
Diana Moran takes the GB News panel through her morning exercise routine
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 23/12/2023

- 10:09

A doctor explained the "most potent tool" for a longer life

Genetics plays a big role in longevity but there are healthy habits everyone can adopt to help increase their lifespan.

A doctor shared what people should be doing to reduce the risk of life-shortening illnesses.


Dr Peter Attia said it is important to look at lifespan and healthspan, ensuring people have a good quality of life, as well as a long life.

One of the most beneficial things to prevent ailments and extend lifespan is exercise, the doctor explained.

Dr Peter Attia

Dr Peter Attia shared advice for living longer

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He said: "Exercise is hands down the most potent tool or intervention we have to affect both of the metrics we care about - lifespan and healthspan.

"On the lifespan side of the equation, having a very high degree of cardiorespiratory fitness, having high muscle mass and high strength, relative to your sex and age, is a better predictor of longer life.

"[This means] a great reduction of all causes of mortality... than anything else we have."

He added the benefits of exercise and being physically fit are better than the negatives of harmful habits like smoking.

"If you're just thinking about how to live longer, that's the ticket," he told PBS.

The doctor said it is also a great tool to improve quality of life.

Exercise is a well-known way to improve health and mobility.

Woman stretching after run

Exercise can boost longevity

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Britons are generally recommended to complete 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise.

However, a recent study suggested those who do more could live longer.

Research published in the journal Circulation found those who worked out two to four times more than the recommendations had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Participants who worked out 300 to 599 minutes saw the biggest benefits.

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