Michael Mosley: ‘Hugely underrated’ exercise that builds muscle – ‘more calories burned’

Alternatively, dieters can get their exercise for the week out of the way in one or two hits with 75 minutes of “vigorous exercise”.

According to Harvard University, moderate exercise may include a brisk walk heavy cleaning, a light cycle, or a game of tennis, while vigorous exercise may be hiking, jogging at six miles per hour, fast cycling, or playing football.

To get an idea of his volunteers’ general health, Dr Michael challenged his volunteers to a test, stating: “Studies have shown how long you can stand on one leg with your eyes closed is a good predictor of life expectancy.”

He revealed that “balance is very important, and it tends to go down with age”, so dieters aged 50 plus would do well to reach eight seconds.