WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion finds that inadequate leisure-time aerobic physical activity accounts for $192 billion in annual healthcare costs among U.S. adults—12.6% of total national health care spending.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 76,000 adults between 2012 and 2019. The findings are stark:
Compared to active adults:
“Aerobic physical activity is an investment in health—it strengthens the heart, reduces chronic disease burdens, and empowers us to live with energy and freedom,” said one of the study’s co-authors, Dr. Adam Chen, of the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health.
Despite modest national gains in physical activity, health care costs continue to rise, largely driven by preventable chronic conditions. The consequences are being felt across sectors.
“These findings provide further economic reasons for health systems, payers, and clinicians to integrate physical activity assessment, prescription, and referral into health care delivery,” said co-author Laurie Whitsel, PhD, National Vice President of Policy Research at the American Heart Association and Senior Advisor to the national Physical Activity Alliance. “We need to inspire and support people to make physical activity a regular part of their day.”
Co-author Jennifer Matjasko, PhD, of the CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, underscored the power of a simple solution hiding in plain sight. “Moving more throughout the day can help improve health and reduce health care costs,” she said. “Every step counts toward a healthier future.”
The Physical Activity Alliance, the nation’s largest coalition advancing physical activity policy and systems change, is calling for immediate cross-sector action:
“We’re spending nearly one out of every eight health care dollars on something we can prevent,” said Michael Stack, ACSM-EP, President of the Physical Activity Alliance. “We need to view physical activity as an essential health care solution to inspire people to move across their day in recreation, to and from work, in their jobs, at home and in schools.”
The Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) is the nation’s largest coalition dedicated to advancing regular participation in physical activity. We use our collective voice to lead efforts that create, support, and advocate for the policy and systems changes necessary to empower people to enjoy physically active lives. We are leading the movement to make physical activity more accessible, frequent, and integrated into the day-to-day lives and health of all people. To learn more, visit https://paamovewithus.org .
Contact:
Ayanna McKnight
moreactive@paamovewithus.org
American Journal of Health Promotion
Inadequate Aerobic Physical Activity and Healthcare Expenditures in the United States: An Updated Cost Estimate
11-Jul-2025