A new study from the University of Exeter has found that physical activity in natural environments prevents almost 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases each year in England, saving over £100 million in treatment costs. Non-communicable diseases are responsible for 74 percent of global mortality, with common examples including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease. The World Health Organization predicts 500 million new cases of these diseases globally between 2020 and 2030, costing over £21 billion each year in treatment costs if physical activity levels remain the same.
The research focuses on the impact of natural environments on recreational physical activity, particularly in places like beaches, countryside, and urban green spaces. By analyzing data from a survey of the English population, the researchers estimated how many cases of six common non-communicable diseases – major depressive disorder, type 2 diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, ischaemic stroke, colon cancer, and breast cancer – are prevented through nature-based physical activity. This study is believed to be the first of its kind on a national scale and likely underestimates the true value of nature-based physical activity in disease prevention.
The WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity per week to maintain good health. Despite these guidelines, nearly 28 percent of adults globally do not meet these recommendations. In England, 22 million adults visited natural environments at least once a week in 2019. This level of nature-based physical activity prevented over 12,000 cases of non-communicable diseases, resulting in significant annual healthcare savings.
Using data from the Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment survey, researchers estimated the volume of nature-based recreational physical activity in England in 2019. By applying epidemiological dose-response data, they calculated the number of prevented cases of non-communicable diseases and the associated healthcare savings. The estimated healthcare cost of physical inactivity in England in 2019 was around £1 billion. Dr. James Grellier emphasized the importance of natural spaces in promoting physical activity, particularly for those who may not have access to organized sports or fitness activities.
The study underscores the importance of increasing population levels of physical activity as a public health strategy. By investing in natural spaces like parks, decision-makers can make it easier for people to engage in physical activity. The benefits of nature-based physical activity go beyond preventing the six common non-communicable diseases studied in the research, extending to other health conditions and mental well-being. The study’s findings highlight the significant impact that natural environments can have on reducing healthcare costs and preventing chronic diseases, making a compelling case for prioritizing these spaces for public health initiatives.
