Journal article
The economic benefits of reducing physical inactivity: An Australian example
DA Cadilhac, TB Cumming, L Sheppard, DC Pearce, R Carter, A Magnus
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity | Published : 2011
Open access
Abstract
Background: Physical 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.Methods: Simulation 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 estima..
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Funding Acknowledgements
Funding for this study was provided by VicHealth following a competitive tender process. We thank the Advisory committee members, relevant health experts for this topic area and the VicHealth staff, including the Advisory Committee Chair: Todd Harper. We also acknowledge Prof Theo Vos from the University of Queensland for providing advice on disease risk factors and data analysis methods.