Physical Activity in California: A Case for Action

The Burden of Physical Inactivity

Physical inactivity will soon overtake tobacco use as the leading cause of preventable death. In California, physical inactivity is by a large margin the most prevalent chronic disease risk factor with more than 50% of adults reporting a sedentary lifestyle, contributing to an estimated 30,000 deaths each year.

Indisputable evidence indicates that physical inactivity is strongly linked to high rates of death and suffering from chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, colon and breast cancer, osteoporosis, and depression. It is also associated with decreased mental alertness, higher levels of stress, poor sleep quality, low self-worth, higher rates of disability, and diminished quality of life.

In California, physical inactivity is responsible for nearly $16 billion annually in direct and indirect medical care, lost employee productivity and worker's compensation costs. These costs will likely continue to rise due to California's aging population, growth in general population, monetary inflation and increased prevalence of physical inactivity; with the greatest burden upon low income people, less educated persons, racial/ethnic minorities, immigrants, and older adults. As such, physical inactivity will dramatically contribute to the health disparities observed in many California communities and populations.

Copyright © California Center for Physical Activity.