GPs will prescribe sex as an exercise?

Family doctors are being told to prescribe a more active sex life to patients who need to get more exercise. New guidelines say GPs should also recommend dancing and mowing the lawn as part of a drive to routinely prescribe activities.

Patients could then be called or texted by their doctor afterwards to make sure they are sticking to the advice, says the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

The body says exercise is an often overlooked ‘miracle cure’ that can work far better than many drugs and could save the NHS billions a year by significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer, dementia, heart disease and even hip fractures.

The College stated that regular activity of all kinds reduces the risk of breast cancer by 25 per cent, dementia by 30 per cent, heart disease by 40 per cent and hip fractures by 50 per cent.

Yet latest figures show that more than half of Britons, 56 per cent, fail to achieve the NHS’s recommended minimum amount of exercise of 30 minutes, five times a week.

Although GPs are already urged to prescribe exercise for obese patients, the latest guidelines go further by routinely telling all patients to be more active.

The College, which represents 220,000 doctors, suggests patients are started off gently with daily brisk walks, using the stairs, dog-walking or having more sex. 

Its guidance states: ‘Many activities can be promoted; brisk walking, cycling, climbing stairs, dog-walking, using outdoor gyms and dancing – even sexual activity can bring some benefits.’

Professor Dame Sue Bailey, chairman of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said: ‘There really is a miracle cure staring us in the face, one which too many patients and doctors have quite simply forgotten about.’

But Joyce Robins, of Patient Concern, said: ‘It’s none of GPs’ business to be talking about patients’ sex lives. I would take amiss at that and I’m sure many others would too.’