The economic benefits of reducing physical inactivity: an Australian example

Abstract

BackgroundPhysical inactivity has major impacts on health and productivity. Our aim was to estimate the health and economic benefits of reducing the prevalence of physical inactivity in the 2008 Australian adult population. The economic benefits were estimated as 'opportunity cost savings', which represent resources utilized in the treatment of preventable disease that are potentially available for re-direction to another purpose from fewer incident cases of disease occurring in communities.MethodsSimulation models were developed to show the effect of a 10% feasible, reduction target for physical inactivity from current Australian levels (70%). Lifetime cohort health benefits were estimated as fewer incident cases of inactivity-related diseases; deaths; and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) by age and sex. Opportunity costs were estimated as health sector cost impacts, as well as paid and unpaid production gains and leisure impacts from fewer disease events associated with reduced physical inactivity. Workforce production gains were estimated by comparing surveyed participation and absenteeism rates of physically active and inactive adults, and valued using the friction cost approach. The impact of an improvement in health status on unpaid household production and leisure time were modeled from time use survey data, as applied to the exposed and non-exposed population subgroups and valued by suitable proxy. Potential costs associated with interventions to increase physical activity were not included. Multivariable uncertainty analyses and univariate sensitivity analyses were undertaken to provide information on the strength of the conclusions.ResultsA 10% reduction in physical inactivity would result in 6,000 fewer incident cases of disease, 2,000 fewer deaths, 25,000 fewer DALYs and provide gains in working days (114,000), days of home-based production (180,000) while conferring a AUD96 million reduction in health sector costs. Lifetime potential opportunity cost savings in workforce production (AUD12 million), home-based production (AUD71 million) and leisure-based production (AUD79 million) was estimated (total AUD162 million 95% uncertainty interval AUD136 million, AUD196 million).ConclusionsOpportunity cost savings and health benefits conservatively estimated from a reduction in population-level physical inactivity may be substantial. The largest savings will benefit individuals in the form of unpaid production and leisure gains, followed by the health sector, business and government.

The economic burden of physical inactivity: a systematic review and critical appraisal

“…We recommend that a transparent economic analysis should explicitly state the value frame used and assumptions made and calibrate the analysis to the intended decision makers/end-users. As part of this process, we recommend structural sensitivity analyses that adopt different approaches, similar to the study by Cadilhac et al 27 to enable readers to fully understand the impact of adopting different value judgements. Equally, it is important that those who interpret the estimates understand the differences between methods to avoid erroneous comparisons between studies and to avoid needless confusion.…”

Health Care Costs Associated with Prolonged Sitting and Inactivity

“…Dollars, respectively). 2,3 Despite the potential health and economic benefits, only about half the population in developed countries meet the recommended levels of physical activity. [4][5][6] In addition to inactivity, prolonged sitting is thought to be associated with negative health outcomes such as weight gain and increased risk of mortality.…”

The impact of the global economic crisis on the finances of non-governmental sport organizations in Slovenia remains to be seen

“…It is vital for Slovenian sport NGOs to survive recession, not merely for this sector itself, but also because of its impact on public health and economic growth. In Slovenia, the public health benefits associated with the regular practice of sport have not yet been analyzed; however, various studies from developed countries (Cadilhac et al, 2011;Katzmarzyk & Janssen, 2004;Scarborough et al, 2011) have quantified the reduced health care and other costs to society of a regular practice of sport. These studies show that the average annual health care costs for physically inactive persons are about 30% higher than for physically active people, which could be amount to between €250 and €1,200 of benefits of a regular practice of sport per person per year.…”