The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working on supplementing the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition by adding new, science-based guidance on step count and muscle-strengthening activity. HHS is seeking written comments from the public that highlight high-quality, evidence-based reports, programs, or campaigns related to step count and/or muscle-strengthening physical activity and positive health outcomes to help inform the creation and release of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition Supplement: 2027 Steps and Muscle-Strengthening Guidance (2027 Steps and Muscle-Strengthening Guidance). You can submit your comments to HHS during the public comment period through 11:59 p.m. ET on November 12, 2026.
Learn More About the Physical Activity Guidelines
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (Guidelines) provides science-based recommendations on how physical activity can help promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. The current Guidelines reflect the myriad ways that physical activity – from organized sports to routine housework – can positively impact physical and mental health across the lifespan. The 2027 supplementary guidance will focus specifically on step count and muscle-strengthening activity.
Additional information about the release is available in the Federal Register notice.
Submit a Written Comment
HHS invites comments that highlight high-quality, evidence-based reports, programs, or campaigns related to step count and/or muscle-strengthening physical activity and positive health outcomes that can help inform development of the 2027 Steps and Muscle-Strengthening Guidance.
HHS will accept comments via docket HHS-OASH-2026-0463 on www.regulations.gov until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 12, 2026.
If providing literature or other resources, HHS suggests including complete citations or abstracts and electronic links to full articles or reports, rather than attachments. The Department places higher priority on comments with scientific justification for the recommendation from peer-reviewed research. You may submit more than one comment. Quantity does not hold additional weight, therefore form letters are discouraged.
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