Physical Activity Prescriptions: Addressing a Major Gap in Medical Education

In the United States and around the world, physical inactivity is a leading cause of morbidity, disability, and premature mortality. While the importance of physical activity is known, there is a disconnect in how we are translating it to our patients. This may be due to poor physical activity education during undergraduate and graduate medical education. Despite the paucity of physical activity prescription education and competence, there are ample resources within the community. It is time for physicians to take an active role in optimizing patient lifestyle and helping prevent or mitigate chronic diseases.