Local Canowindra GP Dr Arcot Kumar recommends that people try to ensure that they have a balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables, and that they get regular exercise such as walking for at least half an hour several times a week.

"People who are inactive should try to walk regularly, and those who walk only occasionally should try to increase the frequency and duration of their walking," Dr Kumar said.

"We know that walking is the most prevalent activity, with about three quarters of adults reporting some walking each week, but many people do not walk for long enough at a pace to be beneficial.

"Only about a fifth of people walk for half an hour each day which is the minimum to give a health benefit. The proportion of inactive Australians is increasing and this contributes to the rising levels of overweight and obesity that are being reported.

"The evidence* suggests that if there was an increase in walking among those already doing some,

the health benefits would be significant and health costs would be reduced," Dr Kumar said.

"For example, it has been estimated* that if a further 10% of the adult population increased walking to five days per week there would be 1038 fewer heart disease deaths in Australia each year and savings of $31 million from cardiovascular disease costs alone.

"There would also be a marked reduction in the incidence of diabetes, possibly by 20%, and around 300 fewer diabetes-related deaths each year, and direct health care cost savings of $22 million. In addition, at least 15% of bowel cancer cases (one of the leading causes of cancer deaths) would be prevented.

"Many people claim they just don't have time to exercise so I suggest that, where practical, they should consider walking to work on at least a few days each week.

"Walking as exercise also contributes to the individual's quality of life and overall community wellbeing.

"If inactive people have concerns about starting to exercise they should consult their local GP for assessment and to develop an exercise plan," Dr Kumar said.