Physical inactivity is a killer. When we become inactive, we lose muscular strength . When we lack muscular strength, we may be more likely to experience a host of health issues, including cognitive decline, poor mental health, musculoskeletal conditions, have a fall, get seriously injured, become hospitalised , and develop diabetes, heart disease , dementia, frailty, functional disability and even some forms of cancer .
The weakness caused by sedentary lifestyles places an unsustainable burden on carers and healthcare systems . Lack of activity comes at a terrible price. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the cost of physical inactivity to public healthcare systems between 2020 and 2030 will be around US$300 billion (approximately £232 billion).
In 2022, the UK government said lack of physical activity was associated with one in every six of the country’s deaths. Historically, people became less active as they grow older . But now, younger people , especially those involved in sedentary work such as desk jobs, are becoming inactive, physically weak, taking more long-term sick leave, and retiring earlier .
Read more: Children and teens aren't doing enough physical activity - new study sounds a health warning Sedentary working conditions can lead to mental fatigue, aches and pains, and may even be a contributing factor to the all-time high of economic inactivity in the UK. Large employers – those with at least 1,000 employees – spend around £2 million annual.