Doctors are prescribing cycling to combat inactivity-related diseases

If you are a GCN regular you probably don't need to be told that cycling can have numerous benefits to both body and mind. For a lot of us, cycling acts as a form of active meditation, our escape from busy lives, and some time to invest in our well-being.

These benefits have been medically recognised now with a trial starting in the UK where doctors can prescribe patients cycling. To get rid of some of the barriers for people who do not easily have access to a bike, patients could even be loaned equipment and provided with cycling lessons.

The reason behind this is the current epidemic that is sweeping across the country of preventable diseases that are largely attributed to inactivity. The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies inactivity as the fourth leading risk factor for death, claiming that it is responsible for six percent of deaths globally.

• Read more: Cycling sparks 'significant' mental health improvements in adolescents, new US study finds

Looking into the future the picture isn’t predicted to improve with the World Economic Forum forecasting that 500 million people could be seriously ill through the consequences of inactivity by 2030. Financially the cost of this epidemic is staggering with research from the Lancet by Santos et al predicting that the global by the end of the decade more than half a trillion dollars will have been spent on inactivity-related diseases.

Where is the threshold of inactivity?

The World Health Organisation has defined the threshold for beneficial moderate activity as 150 minutes per week, with this including activities that you might not expect. Along with the typical, walking, running, cycling, and weight training, are activities like gardening. To reduce the risks associated with inactivity around 20 minutes of moderate exercise per day is required.

What are the benefits that cycling can offer?

Cycling is a low-impact form of cardiovascular exercise, unlike running, cycling is safe for people who fall into the at-risk demographic to participate in without increasing the risk of impact-based injuries.

Studies have shown that regular cycling at a moderate intensity can reduce a person's risk of cardiovascular disease by 35%, type 2 diabetes by 40%, cancers by 30% and all causes of mortality by 30%.

• Read more: Cycling training for beginners: top tips for getting started

The research suggests that if people were to invest the recommended 150 minutes per week in moderate exercise, they could live longer, with a higher quality of life.

How does prescribing cycling really work?

The act of being prescribed cycling by a medical professional will allow patients to receive support and guidance, as well as removing some of the barriers to access associated with cycling.

The main barrier people face when looking to get started with cycling is sourcing a bike. Not only can cycling be shockingly expensive, but it can also be very daunting to start. Depending on where you live, most cities will have some sort of bicycle refurbishment charity. These charities sell old donated bikes that have been checked over by a trained mechanic. If this is not an option for you, places like Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to find a bargain.

Regarding what sort of bike would be best, an old mountain bike will give you the most versatile bike with nice easy gearing and a comfortable riding position. Having a bike capable of going off-road will also allow you to explore towpaths and bridleways keeping you away from busy roads.

One of the hardest things for a new cyclist is motivation. Being prescribed cycling, with your doctor checking in with you and monitoring your progress, will hold you accountable if you do not participate.

If this is something that has you interested in, it might be a bit of a wait as the trial is taking place in 11 regions across the UK. This includes Bath and North East Somerset, Cumbria County, Gateshead, Leeds City, Suffolk City, Nottingham City, Plymouth City, Staffordshire County, Cornwall, City of Bradford Metropolitan District, and Doncaster Metropolitan Borough.

If you are concerned about your health or the level of exercise you currently complete weekly, reach out to your local GP and book an appointment. They will be able to discuss strategies that can be put in place to help boost your health with the support of medical professionals.

Along with 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, consuming a nutritious and blanched diet is also considered an integral factor in reducing these health risks.