Economic and public health benefits: The result of increased regular physical activity

IntroductionThis study aimed to evaluate mathematical algorithms that could quantify the burden of disease in Hungary and to determine the extent of savings in sick-allowance which could be achieved if inactive lifestyles could be reduced.MethodsData was collected from the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund Administration, the Central Administration for the National Pension Insurance, the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, and a national large-sample survey (n = 1158). Direct costs and indirect burden of various diseases were analysed using economic and labour-related assumptions. The distribution of medical cost coverage between the state, households and employees is described, taking Hungarian commodity- and labour market specifics into consideration. We used the method of population Attributable Risk to quantify the possible savings in sick-allowance due to a reduction in inactivity.ResultsComparison of economic burdens of illnesses between 2005 and 2009 decreased in inflation-corrected real terms. Expanding physical activity was a trigger factor, as logistic regression showed significant correlation between regular sporting activity and sick days of the previous year (p = 0.03; Exp(β) = 0.760). In 2009, 2.3%-23.6% of all workers applying for sick-allowance lived inactively, and 16 billion HUF in sick-allowances could have been saved had the population inactivity rate not been 77%. Calculation of illness-related burden relating to obesity, hyperlipidaemia, high blood pressure, stroke and type-II diabetes related to metabolic syndrome highlights specific areas where increased physical activity could have a positive effect.ConclusionOnly a 10% increase in physical activity would result in more than 28 billion HUF (ca. 73.7 million GBP) savings for the Hungarian economy.