Sridhar argues recent headlines overstated a Lancet analysis, saying five minutes of daily exercise is not enough to stay healthy or remain fully fit into old age.
The study pooled roughly 40,000 people from seven US and Nordic cohorts plus 95,000 UK Biobank participants, then modeled how five extra minutes of moderate activity might cut deaths by 6%-10% rather than testing a five-minute routine.
She says the findings support 'something is better than nothing'—especially for the least active—but should not replace a broader exercise plan.
WHO guidance still points adults to 150-300 minutes of moderate activity a week, and Sridhar says health also depends on balancing cardio, strength and flexibility rather than chasing a minimal time target.