In December of last year, Madrid hosted the Exercise for Summit Health, an international congress aimed at exploring opportunities for public-private interaction and collaboration within the physical activity and sports sector concerning health, particularly public health and healthcare. At this event, Dr. Juana Willumsen, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), reviewed the current situation regarding population levels of physical activity and emphasized the challenges our society faces in combating sedentary lifestyles. The message was clear: the importance of physical activity for global health does not require further scientific evidence, and it is both urgent and essential to act and implement public policies designed at both global and national/regional levels to reverse the situation and make progress.
Importance of Physical Activity for Global Health
It has long been known that the healthcare system will not be sustainable in the medium and long term if it solely focuses on treating or curing diseases. Therefore, it is essential to implement prevention policies, among which policies promoting physical activity and combating sedentary lifestyles should be considered a priority. In this context, urging public authorities to implement these measures decisively and with absolute conviction is crucial, as scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports their efficacy.
The Economic Cost of Sedentary Lifestyles
According to experts, including Melody Ding from the University of Sydney, Australia, the economic cost of inactivity is significant. It is estimated that by 2030, there will be over 500 million new cases of non-communicable diseases and mental health issues worldwide, with associated costs in healthcare systems reaching nearly €500 billion. The primary ways in which increasing physical activity levels can save costs include reducing hospitalizations, decreasing premature mortality, and lowering absenteeism from work.
Furthermore, the social benefits of physical activity extend beyond individual health to include improvements in community well-being and productivity within organizations. Additionally, there is growing evidence that physical activity can reduce the need for medication among individuals with various medical conditions, leading to cost savings, fewer side effects, and an enhanced quality of life.
Prescription of Physical Activity
One challenge is the lack of sufficient training in exercise prescription among healthcare professionals. Initiatives like Exercise is Medicine, spearheaded by the American College of Sports Medicine and implemented globally, aim to integrate physical activity prescription into national healthcare systems. Qualified professionals, including physical activity educators with expertise in designing and implementing exercise programs for individuals with or without health conditions, play a crucial role in this effort.
For example, some regions have implemented programs like the Prescription of Activity and Exercise Plan, also known as “exercise prescription,” to promote physical activity and allocate resources for its implementation. However, the effectiveness of physical activity, like any other medicine, depends not only on the dose but also on supervision and proper implementation. Studies have shown that personalized exercise programs supervised by qualified professionals yield significantly better results compared to self-directed efforts.
Economic Measures and Incentives
Economic measures, such as reduced VAT on sports facilities and services or tax deductions for physical activity expenses, can incentivize participation in physical activity. These measures aim to make physical activity more accessible and affordable for individuals, thereby promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
The Role of Physical Activity in Healthcare Sustainability
With an aging population, rising obesity rates, and inadequate physical activity levels across all age groups, the implementation of physical activity programs as part of healthcare services is a strategic priority. This includes enabling healthcare professionals to prescribe physical activity, involving qualified professionals such as physical activity educators, and increasing the availability of facilities and resources for implementing these programs.
In conclusion, promoting physical activity is not just about individual health but also about ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems and fostering overall well-being. By prioritizing physical activity promotion and investing in its integration into healthcare systems, societies can mitigate the burden of non-communicable diseases, improve quality of life, and create healthier and more prosperous communities.