A study published in the Lancet found that five extra minutes a day of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, could reduce premature deaths by 10% in the general population and by 6% in the least active groups. The research was based on data from 135,000 people from the UK Biobank and seven cohorts from Norway, Sweden and the United States, with the authors following the data for an average of eight years. At the same time, the study found that reducing sedentary activity such as sitting by 30 minutes a day could prevent up to 7% of premature deaths. Independent experts say the findings are an "inspiring message for public health", showing that even a small amount of physical activity can significantly reduce the number of premature deaths. The results indicate that even a minimal increase in physical activity has a positive effect on prolonging life.