The UK government has launched a new Office for Health Promotion, designed to lead efforts to improve the nation's physical and mental health. Tasked with promoting physical activity, tackling obesity and improving mental health, the new office is modelled on similar schemes around the world, such as Singapore’s "health promotion board".

The UK government is exploring whether incentivising people financially to take part in physical activity could help drive down obesity levels.

One of England's highest ranking police officers has called on government ministers to clearly define the maximum distance people are allowed to travel to undertake their daily exercise, in a move that could impact the way personal trainers are operating under England's lockdown restrictions.

Forcing gyms, health clubs and leisure centres to stay shut in tier 4 areas is unthinkable, according to industry insiders – especially if the lifting of these measures will have to wait until people have been vaccinated.

A UK government U-turn – just announced – will see gyms staying open in Lancashire as the county goes into tier 3 lockdown.

The UK government is likely to face legal challenges from gym operators following the revelation that new laws drafted to enforce the three-tier system will automatically force gyms and leisure centres to close in tier 3 areas.

HCM talks to Rasmus Ingerslev, Emma Barry, dave Stalker and Steven Scales about trends in the industry and what’s coming down the track for 2020 in terms of opportunities and threats

Liz Terry shares her thoughts

The physical activity sector has called for the UK's party leaders to commit to improving the nation's health in their election manifestos.

The government has set out plans for every patient in the country to have access to sport and leisure activities through social prescribing on the NHS.

Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock has launched a review into the NHS Health Check service, which will explore the possibility of introducing new, intelligent and predictive checks.

Swim England has called for health professionals to be "more proactive" in prescribing swimming to people recovering from medical conditions.

Shapewatch's 3D body visualisation system has been recognised as one of the leading start-ups in fit-tech

Veteran physician Sir Muir Gray has called on Health Secretary Matt Hancock to enlist the services of the fitness industry to help deliver NHS England's new Universal Personalised Care strategy.

Liz Terry shares her thoughts

Health secretary Matt Hancock has announced the government is changing its focus from cure to prevention. Is his plan deliverable? We ask the experts

A study by research institute RAND Europe has suggested that there is a simple way to dramatically increase people's physical activity levels – by offering them tangible financial rewards.

Liz Terry shares her thoughts 

Health secretary Matt Hancock has revealed a new preventative vision for the NHS, which includes a call for people to "take more responsibility for their own health".

A new tool has been launched to help healthcare professionals talk to patients about the benefits of physical activity.

Health and social care secretary Matt Hancock has published a new technology masterplan for the National Health Service (NHS), designed to transform it into the "most advanced health and care system in the world".

Alex Smith, founder of Cares Family and a fellow at the Obama Foundation, will give a keynote speech on loneliness at the ukactive National Summit next month.

The government "needs to show more leadership" and work with the physical activity sector if it wants to save the National Health Service (NHS).

Matt Hancock has been appointed secretary of state for for digital, culture, media and sport in Theresa May’s cabinet reshuffle.