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In a Guardian column, Devi Sridhar challenges the hype around a recent Lancet study suggesting that just five minutes of exercise a day could significantly extend life. While acknowledging that any movement is better than none, she argues that the data do not support a minimalist prescription for health.Why the “Five‑Minute Exercise” Claim Sparks DebateThe study in question combined data from seven large cohort studies in the US, Norway and Sweden (about 40,000 participants) with the UK Biobank (95,000 participants). Researchers modelled how a five‑minute increase in moderate activity might affect mortality, reporting a 6%‑10% reduction in deaths in the multinational sample.Dissecting the Lancet Study’s NumbersAlthough the modelling is sophisticated, the analysis does not involve a controlled trial where sedentary individuals were asked to add five minutes of exercise each day. Instead, it extrapolates from existing activity levels, assuming the same relative benefit applies regardless of baseline fitness.~40,000 participants across seven studies (US, Norway, Sweden)~95,000 participants from UK BiobankEstimated mortality reduction: 6%‑10% for a five‑minute activity boostEffect smaller in the Biobank data compared with the multinational cohortWhat the Findings Mean for Public Health MessagingThe World Health Organization still recommends 20‑40 minutes of moderate activity daily (150‑300 minutes weekly) because that dose shows the strongest, most consistent health benefits across cardiovascular, metabolic and mental‑health outcomes. Sridhar stresses that focusing on time alone ignores the three‑part “movement triangle” – cardio, strength and flexibility – each essential for long‑term health.Looking Ahead: Will Minimalist Exercise Guidelines Prevail?While the allure of a five‑minute prescription is strong, Sridhar warns that lowering the bar too far could render public‑health advice meaningless. Future guidance is likely to continue emphasizing a broader, more balanced activity target, encouraging people to find at least 20 minutes of varied movement within their daily schedules rather than settling for a token five‑minute effort.