Doctors can prescribe exercise for patients through a new booklet being distributed to GP surgeries.

The free booklet called 'Getting Active For Better Health' is designed for GPs to give to patients during a consultation.

The intended audience for the booklet is people with a sedentary lifestyle, who partake in very little physical activity because of obesity or being overweight.

Bearing this in mind, the exercises, guidelines, advice and goal charts contained in the booklet are geared towards sit-down exercises, graduating to stand-up exercises that can be easily performed in the home.

The guide includes exercise plans, assessments and tips and it highlights the benefits of walking for even five minutes a day. It also emphasises the importance of starting small and setting only achievable goals, so as to avoid disappointment and disillusionment.

According to Dr Anna Clarke of Diabetes Ireland, for the first time, people who haven't done any physical activity in a long time and those who are wary of starting, have a straightforward guide to get them going.

"The guide is also a tool which healthcare professionals can use to initiate positive and interactive discussion with patients and monitor progress over a prolonged period of time."

Getting Active For Better Health was produced with the input of doctors, nurses and a fitness expert, all experienced in working with people who have problems with obesity and being overweight.

The booklet is published through a partnership between the HSE, Bayer Healthcare, Diabetes Ireland and Get Ireland Active.

You can download a copy of 'Getting Active For Better Health' here