Prognosis
The WHO Says Physical Inactivity Is Costing Us $27 Billion a Year
- World Health Organization sounds alarm over growing inactivity
- Policy changes need to spur walking, biking, more recreation
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A lack of physical activity is exacting a high price on the global economy, driving rising and costly rates of illness, according to the World Health Organization.
The UN agency puts the annual cost of physical inactivity at $27.4 billion, marked by 500 million new cases of preventable, noncommunicable diseases and mental illness projected through 2030. The direct costs will predominantly come from depression, dementia and hypertension, which collectively make up about 70% of the total.