Toddlers need at least three hours of exercise a day to help avoid obesity in later life, according to new guidelines published by the UK government.

The Department of Health's (DH) physical activity guidelines recommend that any child under the age of five - who is capable of walking - should be physically active for at least 180 minutes a day.

The report states that as most UK pre-school children currently spend between 120 and 150 minutes a day in physical activity, achieving the guideline would mean adding another 30 to 60 minutes each day.

The government has kept recommendations for other age groups on previous levels, including the advice that adults (19 to 64-years-old) should be active daily with a weekly minimum of 150 minutes.

It is the first time UK-wide physical activity guidelines have been produced in one document and the first time guidelines have been set out for the early years (under fives).

It is hoped that the publication will help to ensure "consistent messaging" on the amount of recommended exercise across the UK.

For the full report, click here.