University of Sydney study estimates global cost of physical inactivity in 2013 at $67.5 billion

Couch Potato — Stacy Phillips, one of a group of 'couch potatoes' attempting to set a new Guinness World Record for continuous television viewing of more than 86 hours by viewing the complete set of episodes of the drama series "24", takes a quick nap during a break in viewing in Hollywood December 3, 2010. Reuters/Fred Prouser

Not many people become centenarians, most of whom reached at least 100 because they did not acquire chronic ailments. Premature death is a consequence of lifestyle diseases caused mainly by physical inactivity.

A University of Sydney study estimates the global cost of physical inactivity in 2013 at US$67.5 billion (A$90 billion), reports ABC. The amount includes the cost of the lifestyle diseases on national health budgets and premature deaths which often hit developing nations.

The study, published in the Lancet journal, used data from 142 countries which accounts for 93.2 percent of global population. Isolating the cost in Australia, the research places the amount at $805 million, broken down into $640 million direct costs and $165 million productivity losses.

Productivity losses are computed when people die prematurely due to physical inactivity. A big factor in lack of physical activity is working in an office eight hours a day, reports Sydney Morning Herald.

The research found that sitting eight hours daily boosts risk of premature death by up to 60 percent. The study, with over one million adults, identifies sedentary lifestyle as a bigger health to public health than smoking, and it causes more premature deaths than obesity.

The study recommends a change in the routine of office workers by taking at least a five-minute break every hours, plus exercise during lunchtime and in the evenings. Or office workers could opt to indulge in an hour of brisk walking or cycling spread over the day to combat the risks of eight hours sitting in the office.

While the research failed to identify why sitting long hours is a health risk, the scientists say movement apparently helps the body’s metabolism, while being sedentary influences hormones, such as leptin, which regulate energy balance.

The study grouped participants – mostly over 45 years old – according to their levels of physical activity. Those who worked eight hours daily sitting and had less than five minutes of physical activity had 9.9 percent mortality rates. Those who have at least one hour exercise lowered death rates to 6.2 percent.

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