A new study published in JAMA Health Forum reveals that eliminating socioeconomic disparities in youth physical activity levels could save society over $15 billion in medical costs and productivity losses. The research, conducted by a team from the City University of New York Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, along with collaborators from other institutions, used a computer simulation model to examine the potential impact of equalizing physical activity levels among 6-17 year-olds across different socioeconomic groups.
Currently, youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds engage in 10-15% less physical activity than their more affluent peers. The study found that closing this gap could prevent 101,000 weight-related disease cases and save 191,000 years of life across the youth cohort’s lifetime. Even partial reductions in these disparities could yield significant benefits.
Dr. Tiffany Powell-Wiley, lead author from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, emphasized the broader implications: “Our work shows how investing in programs to get kids from all backgrounds more physically active can reduce costs related to obesity and other chronic diseases, like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.”
The researchers noted that lower-income neighborhoods often lack quality facilities and programs supporting youth physical activity. Dr. Bruce Y. Lee, senior author of the study, explained, “The physical inactivity epidemic and the obesity epidemic that the U.S. is facing right now are due in large part to broken systems and such systems are even more broken for those making less money.”
This study underscores the importance of addressing health inequities, suggesting that targeted interventions to increase physical activity among disadvantaged youth could benefit society as a whole.
“Eliminating socioeconomic disparities in youth physical activity could save over $15 billion, study shows” (April 27, 2024)
