Medical Xpress July 29, 2025
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 health care 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:
- 52.4% of adults met aerobic activity guidelines
- 20.4% were insufficiently active
- 27.3% were completely inactive
- The average adult incurred $6,566 in annual health care costs
Compared to active adults:
- Insufficiently active adults incurred $1,355 more than active adults in annual health care costs.
- Completely inactive adults incurred $2,025 more per year.
“Aerobic physical activity is an investment in health—it strengthens the heart, reduces chronic...
Today's Sponsors
Today's Sponsor